Epidemiological Characteristics of Rodents and Chiggers with Orientia Tsutsugamushi in the Republic of Korea
10.3347/kjp.2020.58.5.559
- Author:
Jung Wook PARK
1
;
Dae Sung YU
;
Gi Seong LEE
;
Jin Jong SEO
;
Jae Keun CHUNG
;
Jae Il LEE
Author Information
1. Division of Infectious Disease Investigation, Health and Environment Research Institute of Gwangju, Gwangju 61986, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Parasitology
2020;58(5):559-564
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
A survey of rodents and chiggers associated with Orientia tsutsugamushi was conducted in a rural region of the Republic of Korea (Korea) between 2014 and 2018. Overall Apodemus agrarius 15.2% had the highest seropisitive for O. tsutsugamushi, followed by Myodes regulus 11.4%. Monthly risk factors using logistic regression analysis were not associated with O. tsutsugamushi infections in rodents. The overall prevalence rate of O. tsutsugamushi among chiggers was 0.3%. The chigger (Leptotrombidium scutellare) and monthly (October) risk factors were associated with O. tsutsugamushi human infections (P<0.05). Orientia tsutsugamushi infections are endemic in rodents in Korea and people, for example, soldiers who are active outdoors, must employ preventive measures, especially during October (P<0.05). When there are many reports of O. tsutsugamushi infections in Korea. The Boryong strain 85.7% (2/14) was the most common strain detected in chiggers, followed by the Shimokoshi 7.1% (1/14) and Karp 7.1% strains.
