Seropositive rate of Orientia tsutsugamushi in Tamias sibiricus from Korea

ABSTRACT

Among wild chipmunks, Tamias sibiricus, captured in Kyunggi and Kangwon province in Korea, 1997, seropositivity for Orientia tsutsugamushi was determined. Serological test for Orientia tsutsugamushi infection was performed using indirect immunofluorescent antibody technique (IFA). Of 243 wild chipmunks, 61 against Gilliam strain and 64 against Karp strain of Orientia tsutsugamushi were IFA positive. Seropositivity against Gilliam strain was shown 33.3% in Kyunggi and 23.5% in Kangwon province, and against Karp strain was shown 33.3% and 25.4%, respectively.