Coinfection of Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus and Coxiella burnetii in Developmental Stage of Hard Ticks in Subtropical Region of Korea.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is transmitted through tick bites. Ticks are potential vectors for the bacterium Coxiella burnetii that causes Query fever. Here, we analyzed SFTSV and C. burnetii co-infection rates in ticks in rural areas of Jeju Island, South Korea.

Methods

Free ticks were collected from the natural environment of the island between 2016 and 2019, and SFTSV RNA was extracted. Additionally, ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used to identify Coxiella species.

Results

Haemaphysalis longicornis was the most common tick species followed by H. flava. Tick number gradually increased from April, peaked in August, and was lowest in March. Of all the collected ticks, 82.6% (2,851/3,458) we

SUBMITTER: Yoo JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10202614 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature