J Agric Med Community Health.  2021 Sep;46(3):162-170. 10.5393/JAMCH.2021.46.3.162.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome among the Korea National Park Service Workers

• Kim DH
• Kim KH
• Yi J
• Ko MK
• Park SJ
• Yoo SJ
• Lee K
• Park JH

• KMID: 2526051
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2021.46.3.162

Abstract

Objectives
This study was carried out to understand the seroprevalence and risk factors for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) among the Korea National Park Service (KNPS) workers.
Methods
We used the stored serum samples (763) and survey results collected from the previous investigation on scrub typhus and Lyme disease among the KNPS workers during 2016-2017. The serum samples were analyzed by double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which was used to test the total antibody including IgG and IgM.
Results
The SFTS seroprevalence among the KNPS worrkers was 1.4%. In multivariate logistic analysis, the national park exploration programs (odds ratio, 3.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-12.01) was significantly associated with the seroprevalence of SFTS.
Conclusion
This study was the first serological study of SFTS among forestry workers in South Korea. Although the KNPS workers are at a high-risk group of SFTS, the prevention activities related to the working environment and habit was insufficient. Thus, systematic prevention education and training for the KNPS workers need to be strengthened.

Keyword

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome; seroprevalence; risk factors; Korea National Park Service (KNPS) workers