1
|
Chang T, Min KD, Cho SI, Kim Y. Associations of meteorological factors and dynamics of scrub typhus incidence in South Korea: A nationwide time-series study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:117994. [PMID: 38151145 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Scrub typhus, also known as Tsutsugamushi disease, is a climate-sensitive vector-borne disease that poses a growing public health threat. However, studies on the association between scrub typhus epidemics and meteorological factors in South Korea need to be complemented. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the association among ambient temperature, precipitation, and the incidence of scrub typhus in South Korea. First, we obtained data on the weekly number of scrub typhus cases and concurrent meteorological variables at the city-county level (Si-Gun) in South Korea between 2001 and 2019. Subsequently, a two-stage meta-regression analysis was conducted. In the first stage, we conducted time-series regression analyses using a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) to investigate the association between temperature, precipitation, and scrub typhus incidence at each location. In the second stage, we employed a multivariate meta-regression model to combine the association estimates from all municipalities, considering regional indicators, such as mite species distribution, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and urban-rural classification. Weekly mean temperature and weekly total precipitation exhibited a reversed U-shaped nonlinear association with the incidence of scrub typhus. The overall cumulative association with scrub typhus incidence peaked at 18.7 C° (with RRs of 9.73, 95% CI: 5.54-17.10) of ambient temperature (reference 9.7 C°) and 162.0 mm (with RRs of 1.87, 95% CI: 1.02-3.83) of precipitation (reference 2.8 mm), respectively. These findings suggest that meteorological factors contribute to scrub typhus epidemics by interacting with vectors, reservoir hosts, and human behaviors. This information serves as a reference for future public health policies and epidemiological research aimed at controlling scrub typhus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taehee Chang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Duk Min
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Il Cho
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea; Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoonhee Kim
- Department of Global Environmental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang YC, Li JH, Qin Y, Qin SY, Chen C, Yang XB, Ma N, Dong MX, Lei CC, Yang X, Sun HT, Sun ZY, Jiang J. The Prevalence of Rodents Orientia tsutsugamushi in China During Two Decades: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:619-633. [PMID: 37625029 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Orientia tsutsugamushi is a zoonotic intracellular pathogen that requires parasitism in eukaryotic cells to reproduce. In recent years, tsutsugamushi disease reported in many places nationwide has crossed the Yangtze River, continuously, spreading to the North China. Now this phenomenon has aroused people's attention. Materials and Methods: In this study, meta-analysis was used to analyze the infection of rodents (vectors) in China, to clarify the transmission rule of O. tsutsugamushi. Results: This study included literature from six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP). A total of 55 articles were included in the study from 610 retrieved articles. The total infection rate of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents was 5.5% (1206/20,620, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0553-0.0617). The prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents before 2013 (7.73%, 95% CI: 4.11-12.37) was higher than after 2013 (2.11%, 95% CI: 0.64-4.41). O. tsutsugamushi spread among a variety of rodents, among which Rattus losea (13.3%, 95% CI: 4.33-26.26), Rattus tanezumi (5.69%, 95% CI: 1.37-12.72), and Apodemus agrarius (5.32%, 95% CI: 2.26-9.58) infection rate was higher. Kawasaki (8.32%, 95% CI: 1.42-20.17), Karp (7.36%, 95% CI: 2.62-14.22), Kato (2.54%, 95% CI: 0.08-8.28), and Gilliam (2.13%, 95% CI: 0.42-5.09) were the main prevalent genotypes in China. The prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi in rodents was seasonal, increasing gradually in summer (2.39%, 95% CI: 0.46-5.77), peaking in autumn (4.59%, 95% CI: 1.15-10.16), and then declining. The positive rate of immunofluorescence assay (25.07%, 95% CI: 8.44-46.88) was the highest among the detection methods, and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the subgroup of geographical factors and climatic factors, the probability of O. tsutsugamushi infection in rodents was the highest when the temperature >19℃ (8.20%, 95% CI: 1.22-20.52), the altitude <100 millimeters (7.23%, 95% CI: 3.45-12.26), the precipitation >700 millimeters (12.22%, 95% CI: 6.45-19.50), and the humidity 60-70% (7.80%, 95% CI: 4.17-12.44). Conclusions: Studies have shown that rodents carrying O. tsutsugamushi are common. People should prevent and control rodents in life and monitor rodents carrying O. tsutsugamushi for a long time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Chun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
- Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, PR China
- Department of Technology, Ningbo Sansheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Ningbo, PR China
| | - Jing-Hao Li
- Center for Biological Disaster Prevention and Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Ya Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- Center for Biological Disaster Prevention and Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Chao Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Xin-Bo Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ning Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Ming-Xin Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
- Department of Technology, Ningbo Sansheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Ningbo, PR China
| | - Cong-Cong Lei
- Center for Biological Disaster Prevention and Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, PR China
| | - He-Ting Sun
- Center for Biological Disaster Prevention and Control, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Zhi-Yong Sun
- Department of Technology, Ningbo Sansheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Ningbo, PR China
| | - Jing Jiang
- Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun H, Lei L, Li J, Niu H, Yang J, Chen M. Clinical treatment of patients with scrub typhus-induced liver injury and intracranial infection. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231214503. [PMID: 38008898 PMCID: PMC10683569 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231214503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus is an infectious disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, a bacterium within the family Rickettsiaceae. The clinical symptoms are usually acute and are characterized by fever, eschar formation or ulceration, local or generalized lymphadenopathy, and rash. Because of the extensive damage to small blood vessels throughout the body, scrub typhus can involve multiple systems and organs, causing damage to the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems and inducing kidney and liver dysfunction. Death can occur in severe cases. We herein report two cases of scrub typhus with liver damage and intracranial infection. Among patients with scrub typhus, the risk of death is significantly higher in those who develop liver injury and intracranial infection. However, there are few reports on the treatment of patients with liver injury and intracranial infection caused by scrub typhus, and relevant treatment experience is thus lacking. Our clinical case report helps to fill the knowledge gap in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- HongKui Sun
- Critical Care Department, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, China
| | - JianWei Li
- Critical Care Department, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, China
| | - Haiming Niu
- Critical Care Department, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, China
| | - Jiezhang Yang
- Critical Care Department, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, China
| | - MiaoLian Chen
- Critical Care Department, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang J, Deng K, Chen J, Zhang M. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus in northern Fujian, China, from 2015 to 2019. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:479. [PMID: 37464324 PMCID: PMC10354924 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08451-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus in northern Fujian Province on the southeast coast of China. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 303 patients with scrub typhus admitted to the First Hospital of Nanping City, Fujian Province, from January 2015 to December 2019. The epidemic characteristics were analyzed, such as the annual number of cases, age distribution, sex distribution, and seasonal distribution in each region. The patient's clinical manifestations, signs, complications, auxiliary examinations, and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS From 2015 to 2019, the age distribution of scrub typhus cases was mainly concentrated in 40-49 y (17.16%), 50-59 y (24.09%), and 60-69 y (26.73%). There were no sex differences among the patients. 68.98% of the cases were concentrated in rural areas, with farmers having the highest proportion. However, this study compared prognostic factors in the cured and uncured groups, and found significant differences in non-farmer occupation and diagnosis time ≥ 8 days. Scrub typhus showed two peaks north of Fujian; the prominent peak was from June to July, and the other slight rise was from October to November. The SDE plot showed that the cases were mainly concentrated in Yanping, Shunchang, Zhenghe, and Songxi counties. The number of cases in hilly and mountainous areas was higher than in plain areas. The main diagnostic methods in this area are based on specific eschar and epidemiology, while the positive rate of the Weil-Felix test is low. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study can guide primary care institutions to improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of scrub typhus and take effective public health intervention measures in endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wusi Road, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Kaixiang Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Hospital of Nanping City, Nanping, China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wusi Road, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meiquan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Provincial Geriatric Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lee IY, Lim JW, Seo JH, Kim HC, Lee KJ, Yong TS, Lee WJ, Yu JR, Sim S. Geographical Distribution and Epidemiologic Factors of Chigger Mites on Apodemus agrarius during Autumn in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:473-479. [PMID: 34724766 PMCID: PMC8561048 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.5.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A nationwide survey of chigger mites causing scrub typhus and an investigation of epidemiologic factors for chigger mites was conducted at 16 localities in 8 provinces in Korea during autumn 2009, 2012, and 2013. A total of 233 Apodemus agrarius were captured, and all were infested with chigger mites. The chigger index was highest in Chungcheongbuk-do in 2009 (358.3) and 2012 (290.1) and Chungcheongnam-do in 2013 (294.4). The predominant chigger mite species was Leptotrombidium pallidum in the northern and central parts and L. scutellare in the southern and western parts, Korea. L. pallidum was not found in Jellanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do and the distribution of L. scutellare had been expanded in the northern parts of Korea. The chigger index of L. pallidum was positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with humidity. The incidence of scrub typhus is dependent on L. scutellare index. These findings could be helpful to monitor the distribution of chigger mites and to develop a preventive measures for scrub typhus in Korea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- In Yong Lee
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jae-Won Lim
- Biological Resources Research Department, National Institute of Biological Resources, Inchoen 22689, Korea
| | - Jang Hoon Seo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Shinhan University, Uijeongbu 11644, Korea
| | - Heung Chul Kim
- 5th Medical Detachment, 168th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 65th Medical Brigade, Unit 15247, APO 96205-5247, USA
| | - Ku Jae Lee
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Wonju Yonsei University College of Medicine, Wonju 26426, Korea
| | - Tai-Soon Yong
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Won-Ja Lee
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jae-Ran Yu
- KU Open Innovation Center, Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
| | - Seobo Sim
- KU Open Innovation Center, Department of Environmental and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ding F, Jiang WL, Guo XG, Fan R, Zhao CF, Zhang ZW, Mao KY, Xiang R. Infestation and Related Ecology of Chigger Mites on the Asian House Rat (Rattus tanezumi) in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:377-392. [PMID: 34470089 PMCID: PMC8413864 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.4.377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper is to illustrate the infestation and related ecological characteristics of chigger mites on the Asian house rat (Rattus tanezumi). A total of 17,221 chigger mites were collected from 2,761 R. tanezumi rats, and then identified as 131 species and 19 genera in 2 families. Leptotrombidium deliense, the most powerful vector of scrub typhus in China, was the first major dominant species on R. tanezumi. All the dominant mite species were of an aggregated distribution among different individuals of R. tanezumi. The species composition and infestations of chiggers on R. tanezumi varied along different geographical regions, habitats and altitudes. The species-abundance distribution of the chigger mite community was successfully fitted and the theoretical curve equation was Ŝ (R)=37e-(0.28R)2. The total chigger species on R. tanezumi were estimated to be 199 species or 234 species, and this further suggested that R. tanezumi has a great potential to harbor abundant species of chigger mites. The results of the species-plot relationship indicated that the chigger mite community on R. tanezumi in Yunnan was an uneven community with very high heterogeneity. Wide geographical regions with large host samples are recommended in the investigations of chigger mites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xian-Guo Guo
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, 671000,
China
| | - Rong Fan
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, 671000,
China
| | - Cheng-Fu Zhao
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, 671000,
China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, 671000,
China
| | - Ke-Yu Mao
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, 671000,
China
| | - Rong Xiang
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, 671000,
China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nationwide Incidence of Chigger Mite Populations and Molecular Detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi in the Republic of Korea, 2020. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081563. [PMID: 34442642 PMCID: PMC8400602 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has established regional centers at 16 locations to monitor vectors and pathogens. We investigated the geographical and temporal distribution of chigger mite populations to understand tsutsugamushi disease epidemiology in 2020. To monitor weekly chigger mite populations, 3637 chigger mites were collected from sticky chigger mite traps in autumn. Chigger mites appeared from the first week of October to the third week of December, peaking in the fourth week of October. The predominant species were Leptotrombidium scutellare, Leptotrombidium palpale, Neotrombicula kwangneungensis, Neotrombicula tamiyai, and Leptotrombidium pallidum. To monitor Orientia tsutsugamushi infection in chigger mites, 50,153 chigger mites were collected from 499 trapped wild rodents in spring and autumn, with a chigger index of 100.5. Approximately 50% of chigger mites were pooled into 998 pools, and the minimum infection rate (MIR) of O. tsutsugamushi was 0.1%. Jeongeup had the highest MIR for O. tsutsugamushi (0.7%). The Kato-related genotype was the most common (52.2%), followed by the Karp-related (17.4%), Boryong (13.0%), JG-related (8.7%), Shimokoshi (4.3%), and Kawasaki (4.3%) genotypes. Ecological and geographical studies focusing on the basic ecology and pathology of mites will improve our understanding of tsutsugamushi disease risks in the Republic of Korea.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bahk YY, Ahn SK, Lee J, Kwon HW, Hong SJ, Kim TS. Monitoring Chigger Mites for Orientia tsutsugamushi in Field Small Mammals in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea, 2019-2020. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:319-324. [PMID: 34218605 PMCID: PMC8255491 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.3.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Incidence of tsutsugamushi disease (scrub typhus) caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is steadily increasing. It is a mite-borne disease transmitted by chigger mites. In this study, the chigger mites were collected from field small mammals in Hwaseong-si (city), Gyeonggi-do (province), Korea, 2019 and 2020. The field small mammals captured were 56 Apodemus agrarius (94.9%) and 3 Crocidura lasiura (5.1%). A total of 7,531 chigger mites were collected from the captured small mammals. Using PCR test, 153 chigger mite pools were examined and 17 pools were reported positive for O. tsutsugamushi. The O. tsutsugamushi were identified to 5 strains; Jecheon strain was most prevalent, followed by Boryong strain. The other strains were OI011, Taguchi, and Shimokoshi. Collectively, these results provide essential regional information on mite-borne tsutsugamushi disease in the Hwaseong-si, and further contribute to bring awareness and rapid diagnosis for the tsutsugamushi disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young Yil Bahk
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
| | - Seong Kyu Ahn
- Infectious Diseases Investigation Division, Jeonnam Institute of Public Health and Environment, Muan 58568, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine & Global Resource Bank of Parasitic Protozoa Pathogens, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Hyung Wook Kwon
- Department of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea.,Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea
| | - Sung Jong Hong
- Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea.,Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine & Global Resource Bank of Parasitic Protozoa Pathogens, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea.,Convergence Research Center for Insect Vectors, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lee HJ, Park C. Density of Chigger Mites as Tsutsugamushi Vectors Collected from Jinan, Jeollabuk-do. KOREAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.15324/kjcls.2020.52.4.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeok Jae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Gwangju Health University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chul Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Gwangju Health University, Gwangju, Korea
| |
Collapse
|