• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.12
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• pp.455-461
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• 2012

Following the Five Year Measles Elimination Program, measles has been declared eliminated from the Republic of Korea since 2006. However, there remain challenges related to the surveillance of measles in the postelimination phase. Even though the routine surveillance system has revealed a gradual decrease in the number of reported cases since 2002, 4 resurgences have occurred, notably due to outbreaks. Because vaccine-modified measles is becoming widespread due to high vaccination coverage, conducting laboratory confirmation in each case becomes important. Moreover, susceptible individuals with measles have been identified through seroprevalence studies. Lastly, the efforts to improve the timeliness of measles reporting have led to the establishment of an active laboratory-based surveillance network, which has shortened the interval between diagnosis and notification. In these circumstances, searching for more sensitive and effective surveillance measures is important for maintaining the elimination status and preventing future outbreaks of measles in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.305-312
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• 2007

The present studies was to seroepidemiological investigation with the related pneumonia due to a combination of both viral and bacterial agents. In selected herd in Jeonbuk-Iksan area of swine farms in 2006. The seroprevalence of antibody titers of PRRS, PCV-2 and mycoplasmal pneumonia were 87.2%, 69.8% and 47.4%, respectively. High seroprevalence of antibody in sow indicate that the infected sow major source of the diseases, and play an important role in circulation between production stage.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.177-183
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• 2001

The objectives of the present study were to (1) determine the susceptibility of Anopheles sinensis to Korean isolates of Plasmodium vivax, (2) establish a method to collect large quantities of P. vivax sporozoites for use as antigen in seroepidemiological studies, and (3) investigate the characteristics of Korean isolates of P. vivax sporozoites. Females of Anopheles sinensis were collected at non-epidemic area, Seokwha-ri, Cheongwon-gun and Chungcheongbuk-do using tent-trap methods coupled with dry ice. The females were artificially infected with gameiocytes of P. vivax using blood obtained from P vivax malaria patients. Individual mosquitoes were infected using either a parafilm-covered glass feeding apparatus or were allowed to feed on naturally infected volunteers. Mosquitoes were sacrificed between 16 and 18 days post-feeding and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect sporozoites. Four (33.4%) of 12 mosquitoes, which were fed on naturally infected volunteers directly, were positive for sporozoites. In cases, the mosquitoes allowed to feed on whole blood which were extract from three different patients with heparin treated vacuutainers using a parafilm-covered glass apparatus. Two of 55 (3.6%) were positive which blood sample was maintained at room temperature for 8 hours, 1 of 68 (1.5%) was positive which blood was maintained at $4^{\circ}C$ for 24 hours and 1 of 47 (2.3%) was positive at 4$^{\circ}C$ for 48 hours. The mean number of sporozoites was estimated about 818 (n=8; range of 648-1,056) based on optical density values of ELISA.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2000

Sera from 425 Korean native and 203 Holstein cattle were collected from October 1994 to September 1995 from dairy farms and slaughterhouses in Chonnam province to study the exposure rate to bovine respiratory syncytial virus(BRSV). Serum antibody titers against BRSV were measured by neutralization test, and results were as follows: Overall prevalence of seropositive cattle to BRSV were 74.5%, and the exposure rate to BRSV was higher among the Holstein (77.3%) than among the Korean native cattle(73.2%). The serum antibody titers against BRSV ranged from 1:2~$\geq$1:256 in both species. Among Korean native cattle, the most frequent serum antibody titer was 1:4 against BRSV(19.3%), while only 1.4% of seropositive cattle had serum titer of $\geq$1: 256. Among Holstein cattle, 22.7% of examined cattle contained serum titer of 1:8, while 1.5% of seropositive cattle showed $\geq$ 1:256. Antibody titers against BRSV were higher among males than females in both Holstein (82.1% vs. 73.1%) and Korean native (74.5% vs. 69.2%) cattle. Prevalence of seropositive cattle by age in both species were evenly distributed, although the highest number (76.9%) of seropositive were at the age of 3 in Korean native cattle, while 83.5% of seropositive Holstein cattle were of 2 years old. The lowest seropositive rate was observed in cattle of less than 1 year old(25.0%). Seasonal occurrunce of BRSV was the highest in spring season in both Holstein (86.6%) and Korean native (81.0%) cattle (P<0.05).

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.615-623
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• 1995

Sera from 304 Holsteins or Korean native cattle were collected from slaughterhouse in Kwangju area to study the infection of major virus-borne diseases. Serum antibody titers against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus(IBRV), bovine viral diarrhea virus(BVDV), parainfluenza type-3 virus(PI-3V), bovine ephemeral fever virus(BEFV), bovine Ibaraki virus(BIV), bovine Akabane virus(BAKV), bovine rotavirus(BRV), bovine coronavirus(BCV) were measured by serum neutralization tests. Results which obtained were as follows. Sera from 280 cattle(92.1%) contained antibodies against BRV which rate was the highest among the 8 viruses, and serum antibodies against BCV, BVDV, BIV, BAKV, BEFV, IBRV and PI-3V were detected from 266(87.5%), 149(49%), 108(35.5%), 94(30.9%), 80(26.3%), 32(10.5%) and 24(7.9%) cattle, respectively. Prevalence of seropositives to BVDV, BIV, BAKV, BEFV were higher among Holsteins than among the Korean native cattle(P<0.05). Prevalence of antibody titers against BVDV, BIV and BEFV in Korean native cattle were higher among females than males, while more males contained antibodies to BAKV, IBRV and PI-3V than females in their blood(P<0.05). Seropositives to BVDV, BIV, BAKV, BEFV and IBRV in Holsteins were higher among females than males(P<0.05). In Korean native cattle, serum antibody titers against IBRV and PI-3V ranged from 1:2~1:32 and 1:2~1:64, respectively, while serum antibody titers against the rest 6 viruses ranged from $1:2{\sim}1:{\geq}256$. In Holsteins, serum antibody titers against IBRV and PI-3V ranged from 1:2~1:64 and 1:2~1:32, respectively, while serum antibody titers against the rest 6 viruses ranged from $1:2{\sim}1:{\geq}256$.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2015

The relationship between anti-Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibody levels and the prevalence of malaria in epidemic areas of South Korea was evaluated. Blood samples were collected from inhabitants of Gimpo-si (city), Paju-si, and Yeoncheon-gun (county) in Gyeonggi-do (province), as well as Cheorwon-gun in Gangwon-do from November to December 2004. Microscopic examinations were used to identify malaria parasites. ELISA was used to quantitate anti-circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibodies against P. vivax. A total of 1,774 blood samples were collected. The overall CSP-ELISA-positive rate was 7.7% (n=139). The annual parasite incidences (APIs) in these areas gradually decreased from 2004 to 2005 (1.09 and 0.80, respectively). The positive rate in Gimpo (10.4%, 44/425) was the highest identified by CSP-ELISA. The highest API was found in Yeoncheon, followed by Cheorwon, Paju, and Gimpo in both years. The positive rates of CSP-ELISA were closely related to the APIs in the study areas. These results suggest that seroepidemiological studies based on CSP may be helpful in estimating the malaria prevalence in certain areas. In addition, this assay can be used to establish and evaluate malaria control and eradication programs in affected areas.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.72-81
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aims to compare protection against diphtheria and tetanus conferred on the mother and the neonate before and after maternal vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), transfer of antibodies, and the variables that could impact on the protection. Materials and Methods: The study followed a cohort of 200 pregnant women from a region in Colombia, contacted during prenatal control before vaccination and upon delivery. The work determined immunoglobulin G antibodies against diphtheria and tetanus of pregnant women and umbilical cord. The proportion of protection, the geometric mean of the concentration, and the transfer of maternal antibodies were calculated. The protection profile of the pregnant women was explored by using multiple correspondence analysis. Results: The concentration of antibodies against diphtheria was significant before and after vaccination of the pregnant women (p=0.000) with proportions of 85.0% and 97.5%, respectively, and of 98.6% in the umbilical cord, with significant antibody correlation (Spearman's coefficient=0.668, p=0.01). Sero-protection against tetanus before vaccination was at 71.0%, after at 92.6%, and in the umbilical cord at 95.9%, with significant antibody concentration before and after vaccination (p=0.000) and antibody correlation (Spearman's coefficient=0.936, p=0.01). Sero-protection was higher when the pregnant women were vaccine 8 to 11 weeks before delivery. Unprotected pregnant women were those not vaccinated during pregnancy. Conclusion: The high proportion of protection against diphtheria and tetanus and the placental transfer support the need to promote maternal immunization with Tdap.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.203-214
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• 2003

Scrub typhus and murine typhus are common endemic febrile illness in the fall in Korea. Scrub typhus is caused by Orientia tsutsugomushi, murine typhus is caused by Rickettsia typhi. Trombiculid mites are known as both the vector and the reservoir host of O tsutsugamushi, the mites which transmit O tsutsugomushi have been reported to be Leptotrombidium pallidum and L scutellare. The author carried out an epidemiological study of scrub typhus and murine typhus in Kyodong-Myeon, Kanghwa-Gun, Incheon in relation to the residents and the host rodents, such as their distribution, seroepidemiology, and population density of chigger mites. 1. Out of 900 residents, 33(3.7%) showed positive reaction to O tsutsugamushi, 24(2.7%) to R typhi. 2. In the seropositives to O tsutsugamushi or R typhi, between the sixties and the seventies of the age were dominant. 3. In the seropositives to O tsutsugamushi serotypically Gilliam was dominant. 4. Among the total 42 field rodents trapped by the sherman traps, 18 rodents were Apodemus agrarius(42.9%), 13 rodents were Crocidura lasiura(31.0%), 5 rodents were Musmusculus(11.9%), 2 rodents(4.8%) were Crocidura suaveolens, Rattus norvegicus, Tscherskia triton, respectively. 5. Out of 42 field rodents, 25 were parasitized by 4,419 chigger mites, showing 59.5% of the infestation rate and 98.8 of the chigger index. L pallidum parasitized in A agrarius, C lasiura, M musculus, R norvegicus and T triton, and L scutellare parasitized only C lasiura. 6. Antibodies in the sera of field rodents against O tsutsugamushi and R typhi were investigated by indirect immunofluorescent antibody technique. Positive rate of antibody against O tsutsugamushi were 11.9(5 of 42) and all of the positive is A agrarius. Antibody against R typhi was not detected. These results might provide the basic information for the management of scrub typhus and murine typhus in Kyodong-myeon, where the epidemiological studies on scrub typhus and murine typhus was not carried out enough.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.253-259
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• 2004

Objectives : To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections and determine the associated risk factors among young adults in Busan, Korea, which is known to have a high incidence of liver cancer. Methods : The study population consisted of volunteer participants in a health survey during 2002, which included 1,350 students (515 males and 835 females) aged between 16 and 24 years, from three different schools in Busan. The participating students were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire which included lifestyle habits and risk factors of hepatitis. Sera obtained from the participants were studied for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and Anti-HCV by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method and for liver function tests. Results : Among the study subjects (N=1,350), the seropositivities of HBsAg 7.9%(95% CI=7.8-8.0), 7.6%(95% CI=7.6-7.7) in male and 8.1%(95% CI=8.0-8.2) in female. And the seropositivity of Anti-HBs was 69.7%(95% CI=69.0-70.4), 70.5%(95% CI=69.8-71.2) in male and 69.2%(95% CI=68.5-69.9) in female. The seropositivity of Anti-HCV was 0.4%, 0.2% in male and 0.5% in female. The seropositivity for HBsAg in the subjects not having a hepatitis B vaccination history was twice(95% CI=1.0-4.4) that of those that did. Also, the seropositivity for HBsAg in subjects having experienced sexual intercourse was 1.7 times (95% CI=0.9-3.0) that of the subjects who had not. Conclusions : The present study confirmed the high prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity and sexual transmission of HBV among adolescents and young adults may occur. Further studies to evaluate the relationship between HBV vaccination and sexual transmission are required for the young population in Korea.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.48-60
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• 1991

In a seroepidemiological study in several areas of Korea, the ELISA technique was performed to determine prevalence of some important helminthic diseases in our nation during March $15^{th}$ to June $30^{th}$. 1991. In this survey the serum antibody positive rates of anisakiasis, toxocariasis, clonorchiasis, paragonimiasis, cysticercosis, and sparganosis were measured. Among, 6,704 cases examined, 19.7% showed positive antibody titer at least one of the six items studied. Overall positive antibody rate was 8.1% in anisakiasis, 5.6% in toxocariasis, 3.6% in clonorchiasis, 1.7% in paragonimiasis, 4.5% in cysticercosis, and 2.6% in sparganosis respectively. In Pusan port southeastern part of Korea, antibody positive rate of anisakiasis was 2.9%, and clonorchiasis was 2.8% among 450 examine. In TaeJ$\check{o}$n city, central part of Korea. toxocariasis(6.7%) and anisakiasis(3.7%) showed high serologic positive rate. Of the 875 persons in Chunche$\check{o}$n gun(=province), northern central rural area of South Korea, anisakiasis was revealed as 3.4% seropositivity. In Tonghae port, eastern coast of South Korea. 9.9% of population examined showed positive antibody titer in anisakiasis. Of the 1,122 persons examined in Southern part of Cholla-Namdo(Southwestern coastal area of Korea), anisakiasis was 16.9%, cysticerocosis was 12.7% and the paragonimiasis was 3.3% respectively. In some localized area of Cholla-Pukdo, anisakiasis was 9.3% and cysticekosis was 4.3% among 702 cases examined. In some localized area of Kyungsang-Pukdo, anisakiasis was 10.6%. and toxocariasis was 16.1% among 900 cases examined. And finally, in Cheju-do, southern island of Korea, anisakiasis showed high positive rate(6.7%). Because cross reactions between related helminth group may disturb the analysis of these data, use of further developed techniques such as EITB(enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot) was considered as a essential tools for the study. We thought that probably most of the positive cases of cysticerosis were taeniasis cases. We can't rule out taeniasis even though EITB was employed as far as crude worm extract or cystic fluid of cysticercus was used as antigen. It was well Known that toxocariasis and anisakiasis also showed cross reactivity. However, the data presented here focus on seropositive rate of several helminthic diseases in Korea, not true prevalence rate of helminthiases, and to wait for more expensive purified antigen in sufficient amount for epidemiologic use is not necessary because increased immunologic sensitivity had little effect on epidemiologic sensitivity. We, here, suggest that ELISA should be applied as soon as possible to the evaluation of prevalence of tissue invading parasitic diseases, and a review of the antibody positive rate obtained in this study would be a basic data for controlling program of parasitic diseases in Korea.