Seroepidemiology of infections due to spotted fever group rickettsiae and ehrlichia species in military personnel exposed in areas of the united states where such infections are endemic

Steven J. Yevich, José L. Sánchez, Robert F. Defraites, Cornelia C. Rives, Jackie E. Dawson, Iyorlumun J. Uhaa, Barbara J.B. Johnson, Daniel B. Fishbein

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91 Scopus citations

Abstract

A prospective, seroepidemiologic study of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR) and Ehrlichia infections was done among 1194 US military personnel exposed in a heavily tick-infested area of Arkansas in 1990. Seroconversion (4-fold) and seroprevalence rates were determined by indirect immunofluorescent antibody assays. Seroconversions to SFGR occurred in 30 persons (2.5%), whereas seroconversion to Ehrlichia species occurred in 15 (1.3%). The majority of seroconverters did not report symptoms (22/30 [73%] of SFGR seroconverters; 10/15 [67%] of Ehrlichia species seroconverters). History of tick attachment was associated with seroconversion to SFGR (relative risk [RR] = 4.3, P <.001) and Ehrlichia species (RR = 3.6, P <.05). Use of permethrin-impregnated uniforms significantly decreased risk of infection (P <.01); use of bed nets increased risk by 4-fold. Tickborne infections represent a significant threat to military personnel training in areas in which these infections are endemic.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1266-1273
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume171
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1995
Externally publishedYes

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