Tropical Disease Patterns and Treatment Practices in A Tertiary Care Setting in India: A Hospital-Based Analysis

Abstract

Background: India is experiencing an epidemiological transition with a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. National surveys provide overall trends, but hospital data yield insights into case-mix, therapeutic practice, and health system challenges. Aim: To examine demographic profiles, disease patterns, and therapeutic habits in an Indian tertiary care teaching hospital. Settings and Design: A hospital-based observational study was conducted in a tertiary care centre, including consecutive patients attending outpatient and inpatient departments. Methods and Material: Demographics, socioeconomic status, comorbidities, clinical parameters, diagnoses, and treatments were recorded with a structured proforma. Statistical Analysis Used: Diagnoses were categorised according to clinical and laboratory standards. Results are presented as frequencies, percentages, and means ± SD. Results: The study included 2,313 patients (mean age 39.3 ± 16.3 years; 51.8% male). Most patients were from lower socioeconomic strata, with 43.4% reporting annual incomes <INR one lakh. The commonest diagnoses were enteric fever (73.5%), dengue (16.0%), snakebite (5.9%), and rickettsial infections (3.9%). Outpatient treatment accounted for 94% of cases, while 3.4% required ICU admission. Treatment patterns were consistent with guidelines: azithromycin for enteric fever, supportive care for dengue, anti-snake venom in 94.1% of snakebites, and doxycycline in all rickettsial infections. Comorbidities were infrequent (hypertension 4.9%, diabetes 2.7%). Conclusion: Infectious diseases, especially enteric fever and dengue, predominated, with snakebite and rickettsial infections also contributing. Findings highlight the burden of communicable diseases, need for rational antimicrobial use, emergency preparedness for snakebite, and public health measures to address disparities and optimise care.