The Korean Journal of Medicine

The Korean Association of Internal Medicine (대한내과학회)
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The Most Common Mite- and Tick-borne Infectious Diseases in Korea: Scrub Typhus and Severe Fever Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

한국의 흔한 진드기 매개 감염병: 쯔쯔가무시병과 중증열성혈소판감소증후군

  • Kim, Da Young (Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Dong-Min (Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine)
  • 김다영 (조선대학교 의과대학 내과학교실) ;
  • 김동민 (조선대학교 의과대학 내과학교실)
  • Published : 2018.10.01
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Abstract

The incidence of mite- and tick-borne infectious disease is increasing with climate change and the development of diagnostic tools. Tick-borne infectious diseases include Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), and Japanese spotted fever. Rickettsial pox and scrub typhus are mite-borne infectious diseases. Scrub typhus and SFTS are the most common mite- and tick-borne infectious diseases in Korea, respectively. They are often difficult to diagnose at an early stage of disease. To make a definite diagnosis of mite- and tick-borne infectious disease, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests or serologic testing for antibodies during the acute and convalescent periods are necessary. If patients with nonspecific symptoms, such as fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting, have a history of outdoor activity or a tick bite, it is reasonable to consider the possibility of mite- or tick-borne infectious diseases clinically. There are no vaccinations against mite- and tick-borne infectious diseases. Therefore, preventing mite or tick bites is the best way to prevent the diseases.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : Chosun University Hospital

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