Epidemiological Characteristics of Field Tick-Borne Pathogens in Gwang-ju Metropolitan Area, South Korea, from 2014 to 2018

Abstract

The importance of tick-borne diseases is increasing because of climate change, with a lack of long-term studies on tick-borne pathogens in South Korea. To understand the epidemiological characteristics of tick-borne diseases, the monthly distribution of field ticks throughout the year was studied in South Korea between May 2014 and April 2018 in a cross sectional study. Methods: The presence of various tick-borne pathogens (Rickettsia species, Borrelia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum) was confirmed by using polymerase chain reaction, to provide information for a prevention strategy against tick-borne pathogenic infections, through increased understanding of the relationship between seasonal variation and risk of infection with Rickettsia species. This was performed using logistic regression analysis (SPSS 20, IBM, USA) of the data obtained from the study. Results: During the study period there were 11,717 ticks collected and 4 species identified. Haemapysalis longicornis was the most common species (n = 10,904, 93.1%), followed by Haemapysalis flava (n = 656, 5.6%), Ixodes nipponensis (n = 151, 1.3%), and Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 6, 0.05%) The results of this cross-sectional study showed that Haemapysalis flava carried a higher risk of transmission of Rickettsia species than other tick species (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, due attention should be paid to preventing tick-borne infections in humans whilst engaged in outdoor activities in Spring and Autumn, particularly in places where there is a high prevalence of ticks.

Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia Species in Ticks Removed from Humans in the Republic of Korea

“…These findings are consistent with the results of a previous study in the ROK, which identified H. longicornis as the dominant questing tick species collected from various habitats [40,41]. In addition, previous studies have shown that A. testudinarium has a relatively low population density collected by dragging, flagging, and dry ice-baited trapping [7,42]. This species is known to use a host-seeking strategy, unlike the other ticks collected in this study that have a passive ambushing strategy [43].…”

iSeq 100 for metagenomic pathogen screening in ticks

“…‘ Ca . R. jingxinensis,’ a novel Rickettsia species in Rhipicephalus microplus and H. longicornis ticks, was first discovered in China (Shenyang and Wuhan) [ 39 – 41 ] and subsequently reported in Korea (Chungnam, Jeonbuk, and Gwangju) [ 42 , 43 ]. Many associated ‘ Ca .…”

Molecular Identification of Borrelia spp. from Ticks in Pastures Nearby Livestock Farms in Korea

“…Ticks are ectoparasites that feed on humans as well as wild and domestic animals. Ticks are also a vector for spreading viruses and protozoa, as well as bacteria, e.g., Borrelia, Coxiella, or Rickettsiales [1,2]. Lyme borreliosis is also a tick-borne zoonotic disease.…”

“…L; Larva, N; Nymph, AM; Adult Male, AF; Adult Female 2. Adult ticks were not pooled and each individual was tested 3.…”