Serological Study on Rickettsial Infection of Wild Rodents in Kyunggi and Kangwon Provinces in Korea

Baek, Luck Ju; Song, Jin Won; Song, Ki Joon; Kho, Eun Young; Chung, Ki Mo; Lee, Yong Ju

Abstract

BACKGROUND
This study was designed to determine the seropositivity for rickettsial infection among wild rodents captured in farms of Kyunggi province and in mountains of Kangwon province in Korea.
METHODS
A total of 513 wild rodents of 5 species were captured in 1997~1998. Serological evidence for rickettsial infection was obtained using Orientia tsutsugamushi antigens by indirect immunofluorescent antibody technique(IFA).
RESULTS
168 Apodemus agrarius, 35 Microtus fortis, 3 Micromis minutus and 2 Eothenomys regulus were captured in Kyunggi province, of which 32 Apodemusagrarius, 4 Microtus fortis, 1 Micromis minutus were IF antibody positive against O. tsutsugamushi. 196 Apodemus agrarius, 77 Apodemus peninsulae and 29 Eothenomys regulus were captured in Kangwon province, of which 4 Apodemus agrarius and 5 Apodemus peninsulae were positive.
CONCLUSION
Seropositivity rate against O. tsutsugamushi of wild rodents captured in Kyunggi and Kangwon provinces were 19.6% and 3.0% by IFA tests, respectively.