ISCEP 2026 At Sunway Putra Hotel 17-18 August 2026
ABSTRACT
ORAL PRESENTATION ABSTRACT
T2_04
MOLECULAR EVIDENCE OF ORIENTIA TSUTSUGAMUSHI CIRCULATION IN CHIGGERS AND SMALL MAMMALS FROM HUMAN SCRUB TYPHUS HOTSPOTS IN PAHANG, MALAYSIA
Ernieenor Faraliana CHE_LAH", Wan Norqariatul Akidah WAN ABDULLAH², Nurhanani IBRAHIM', Ariana Ace JOHN', Ellyncia BD- BILIN', Muhamad Al 'Azim BAHARUDIN', Yoggendran INDIRAN
Worsley Unit, defectious Diseases Research Cente, estate for Medical Research Ministry of Health Malaysia National lestitute of Houth Complex, Setia Alam Shah Alam Selangor M Entosalogy & Pest Unit Patang State Health Department Lorong
Bandar Indera Mahon Kastan Panang Malaysia
Bentong District Heath Offee Bentong Pahang Malaysia as Dishict Houth Office Kas
"Enterology & Pest Unit Terserion District Health Office Terrion Pahang, Malay
Scrub typhus (ST) is a neglected vector-borne zoonosis caused by Orientati and transmitted to human through the bite of infected chiggers. In Malaysia, the increasing number of human cases has highlighted the need to better understand the ecological factors driving ST transmission. Following reports of more than 60 laboratory-confirmed ST cases in Pahang during 2024, an investigation was conducted to identify potential vector and animal hosts associated with transmission in selected case localities. Small mammals were trapped in suspected infection hotspots, including residential surroundings and workplaces of confirmed cases. Captured animals were examined for chigger infestation, and collected chiggers were identified morphologically. A total of 95 small mammals were captured, with 62 (95.3%) were infested with chiggers, yielding a chigger index of 40.3. Overall, 3,831 chiggers were recovered. comprising predominantly Leptotrombidiure dalianse (46.7%), followed by Ascaschoengusti indice (33.9%) Leptotrambidiuer spp. (18.4%), and Helenicula mutabils (10%) DNA extracted from 188 pooled of chiggers, blood and spleen fissues was screened for Q. tagasi using nested PCR targeting the 66-kDa TSA gene. The pathogen was detected in 13 (6.9%) chigger pools, all identified as L. delense, as well as in 11 spleen and six blood samples. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed high nucleotide similarity (87-100%), with the Karp genotype predominating, followed by Gilliam, Kato, and TA763 genotypes. The detection of august in both vectors and small mammals provides evidence of pathogen circulation in Pahang, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance and ecological studies to support ST prevention and control
Keywords: scrub typhus chiggers, Orientousgameshi rodents, Malaysia
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON ENTOMOLOGY AND PEST SCP) 2005