Molecular Epidemiological Study for Tick‐Borne Disease (EhrlichiaandAnaplasmaspp.) Surveillance at Selected U.S. Military Training Sites/Installations in Korea

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Abstract
Abstract:Vector‐borne diseases are a potential public health threat to U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).EhrlichiaandAnaplasmaspp., transmitted by ticks, are only two of several diseases that may affect military readiness and operations. Rodents were collected at selected U.S. military installations and training sites in the Republic of Korea. DNA was extracted from spleen tissues and assayed by PCR methods forEhrlichiaandAnaplasmaspecies. From rodents and mustelids collected during 1999 and 2000, a total of 196Apodemus agrarius(striped field mouse), 2Mustela sibirica(weasel), and 1Cricetulus triton nestor(Korean greater long‐tailed hamster) were assayed forEhrlichiaandAnaplasmaspecies‐specific DNA fragments. Rodent surveillance indicated a very high prevalence ofEhrlichiaandAnaplasmaspp. at selected training sites.Ehrlichia/AnaplasmaDNA were identified from spleen tissue from 157Apodemus agrarius, 1Mustela sibirica, and 1Cricetulus riton nestor. Species‐specific DNA fragments ofE. canis(45),E. ewingii(16),A. phagocytophila(5), andA. platys(62) were amplified by PCR techniques. Seventy‐one striped field mice had single infections, while 24 had mixed infections of 2 (17 specimens), 3 (7 specimens), or 4 (1 specimen) pathogens. The striped field mouse plays a role as a reservoir for latent infections of variousEhrlichiaorAnaplasma species.