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ABSTRACT: Background
Little research has been published on the prevalence of rickettsial infections in Myanmar. This study determined the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to rickettsial species in different regions of Myanmar.Methods
Seven hundred leftover blood samples from patients of all ages in primary care clinics and hospitals in seven regions of Myanmar were collected. Samples were screened for scrub typhus group (STG), typhus group (TG) and spotted fever group (SFG) IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Immunofluorescence assays were performed for the same rickettsial groups to confirm seropositivity if ELISA optical density ?0.5.Results
Overall IgG seroprevalence was 19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16-22%] for STG, 5% (95% CI 3-7%) for TG and 3% (95% CI: 2-5%) for SFG. The seroprevalence of STG was particularly high in northern and central Myanmar (59% and 19-33%, respectively). Increasing age was associated with higher odds of STG and TG seropositivity [per 10-year increase, adjusted odds ratio estimate 1.68 (p < 0.01) and 1.24 (p = 0.03), respectively].Conclusion
Rickettsial infections are widespread in Myanmar, with particularly high seroprevalence of STG IgG antibodies in central and northern regions. Healthcare workers should consider rickettsial infections as common causes of fever in Myanmar.
SUBMITTER: Elders PND
PROVIDER: S-EPMC7862081 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Elders Philip N D PND Swe Myo Maung Maung MMM Phyo Aung Pyae AP McLean Alistair R D ARD Lin Htet Naing HN Soe Kyaw K Htay Wei Yan Aung WYA Tanganuchitcharnchai Ampai A Hla Thel K TK Tun Ni Ni NN Nwe Thin Thin TT Moe Myat Myat MM Thein Win May WM Zaw Ni Ni NN Kyaw Wai Mon WM Linn Htun H Htwe Yin Yin YY Smithuis Frank M FM Blacksell Stuart D SD Ashley Elizabeth A EA
International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases 20201211
<h4>Background</h4>Little research has been published on the prevalence of rickettsial infections in Myanmar. This study determined the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to rickettsial species in different regions of Myanmar.<h4>Methods</h4>Seven hundred leftover blood samples from patients of all ages in primary care clinics and hospitals in seven regions of Myanmar were collected. Samples were screened for scrub typhus group (STG), typhus group (TG) and spotted fever group (S ...[more]