Scrub Typhus Antibody (IgG & IgM) (Scrub Typhus Ab) Test
About Scrub Typhus Antibody (IgG & IgM) (Scrub Typhus Ab) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Scrub Typhus Ab Test, Tsutsugamushi Antibody Test, Orientia tsutsugamushi Antibody Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Report Time | 3 to 7 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; individuals with suspected scrub typhus infection or those living in or travelling to endemic areas |
| Price | Starting at ₹800 |
What Is a Scrub Typhus Antibody (IgG & IgM) (Scrub Typhus Ab) Test?
The scrub typhus antibody test checks your blood for immune proteins produced in response to a scrub typhus infection. It detects two types of antibodies (IgM and IgG) to help confirm whether an infection is active, recent, or past. Also called the scrub typhus Ab test, Orientia tsutsugamushi antibody test, or tsutsugamushi antibody test, it is typically ordered when a doctor suspects scrub typhus based on symptoms and travel or exposure history. A small blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm is used for the test.
What Does a Scrub Typhus Antibody (IgG & IgM) (Scrub Typhus Ab) Test Measure?
The scrub typhus antibody (IgG & IgM) test identifies two distinct types of antibodies in the blood. Each provides different information about the stage of infection.
| Antibody | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| IgM (Immunoglobulin M) | Appears by the end of the first week of illness; suggests a recent or active infection |
| IgG (Immunoglobulin G) | Takes approximately two weeks to develop; indicates past exposure or prior infection |
Why Is a Scrub Typhus Antibody (IgG & IgM) (Scrub Typhus Ab) Test Done?
Scrub typhus is a bacterial infection spread through the bites of infected larval mites, commonly called chiggers. A doctor may order this test to confirm a suspected infection or to distinguish between a current and a past one.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may recommend a scrub typhus Ab test:
- Sudden high fever and chills
- Severe headache and body aches
- Eschar (a dark, scab-like mark at the site of a chigger bite)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin rash
- Mental changes such as confusion
- General fatigue
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test is used to identify or rule out the following:
- Scrub typhus (also called bush typhus), caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi
- Active or ongoing infection (indicated by a positive IgM result)
- Past exposure to scrub typhus (indicated by a positive IgG result)
- Scrub typhus as a cause of unexplained fever in people who live in or have visited endemic regions of the Asia-Pacific
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before the Orientia tsutsugamushi antibody test. The process is quick and straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the scrub typhus antibody test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or the diagnostic centre at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your blood draw:
- Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions you have, as these may affect results
- Share your travel history, any recent exposure to areas with heavy vegetation, and the duration of your symptoms
- Mention if you have had a prior scrub typhus infection or have recently taken antibiotics
- Stay hydrated as you normally would before a blood draw
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens during the sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist will confirm your details and explain the process.
- The skin over a vein in your arm is cleaned with an antiseptic.
- A tourniquet (a soft elastic band) may be placed around the upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
- A small amount of blood is drawn into a sterile collection tube using a fine needle.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the collection site.
- The labelled sample is dispatched to the laboratory for testing.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of the test result:
- Testing too early in the illness (antibodies may not yet be detectable in the first few days)
- Recent or ongoing antibiotic use before sample collection
- A history of prior scrub typhus infection, which may affect baseline antibody levels
- Dehydration at the time of sample collection
- Background immunity in people living in endemic areas, which can raise resting antibody levels
Understanding Your Scrub Typhus Antibody (IgG & IgM) (Scrub Typhus Ab) Test Results
Test results should always be reviewed alongside your symptoms, clinical history, and other investigations. The table below provides general reference values.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Positive Result | What It May Suggest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scrub Typhus IgM | Negative / Non-reactive | Reactive / Positive | Recent or active infection |
| Scrub Typhus IgG | Negative / Non-reactive | Reactive / Positive | Past exposure or prior infection |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
A few situations can make results harder to interpret:
- Early testing: If the sample is collected within the first week of symptoms, test sensitivity may be below 60%. IgM antibodies typically become detectable only five to ten days after symptoms begin. A negative early result does not always rule out infection.
- Past infection or endemic exposure: IgG antibodies can remain elevated for more than 36 months after recovery. In areas where scrub typhus is common, higher background IgG levels can lead to false-positive readings.
- Prior infection: Residual IgM from a previous scrub typhus episode may stay above the cut-off for up to 12 months, which can complicate interpretation of a new result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because scrub typhus is transmitted by mite bites, the most effective prevention is reducing exposure. General protective measures include:
- Avoiding areas with dense scrub vegetation, long grass, or heavy undergrowth when travelling to endemic regions
- Applying insect repellents containing DEET or other active ingredients registered against chiggers on exposed skin and clothing
- Wearing full-coverage clothing (long sleeves and trousers) when in risk-prone outdoor environments
Lupin Diagnostics Scrub Typhus Antibody (IgG & IgM) (Scrub Typhus Ab) Test Price and Home Collection
The scrub typhus antibody test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹800, with home sample collection available across multiple cities in India. Prices vary depending on the city and test method used.
| City | Approximate Price ( ₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹800 |
| Bengaluru | ₹800 |
| Hyderabad | ₹800 |
| Chennai | ₹800 |
| Kolkata | ₹800 |
| Pune | ₹800 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the scrub typhus antibody (IgG & IgM) test across cities in India, carried out by trained and certified phlebotomists. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure accurate, reliable results. Your digital report is delivered directly via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scrub typhus, also called bush typhus, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. It spreads through the bites of infected chiggers (larval mites) commonly found in areas with heavy scrub vegetation. It is not spread directly from person to person.
IgM antibodies generally become detectable by the end of the first week of illness. Testing too early in the course of infection may produce a false-negative result, so your doctor may recommend retesting if symptoms persist.
A positive IgM result suggests a recent or active scrub typhus infection. It is important to share this result with your doctor promptly so that the appropriate next steps can be determined based on your clinical condition.
A positive IgG result typically points to a past exposure to scrub typhus. IgG antibodies can remain above detectable levels for more than 36 months after infection, so a positive IgG alone does not necessarily indicate a current illness.
Yes. A past infection with scrub typhus does not provide lasting immunity. If someone is exposed to infected mites again, re-infection is possible. Repeating the scrub typhus Ab test may be advised if symptoms recur.
No fasting or special preparation is required. You only need to inform your doctor about any medications, recent antibiotic use, travel history, and prior scrub typhus infections, as all of these can affect how results are interpreted.
Scrub Typhus Antibody (IgG & IgM) (Scrub Typhus Ab) Test
