Seasonal and environmental determinants of leptospirosis and scrub typhus in small mammals captured at a U.S. military training site (Dagmar North), Republic of Korea, 2001-2004.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify seasonal and environmental determinants of scrub typhus, murine typhus, and leptospirosis in small mammals trapped at Dagmar North training area, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. METHODS: Small mammals received titer assays to the aforementioned diseases. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine whether associations existed between risk of small-mammal infection and independent variables such as season of capture, habitat, small-mammal species, and sex. RESULTS: Murine typhus was not detected among the animals assayed. Risk of scrub typhus infection was associated with season, habitat, and small-mammal species. Risk of leptospirosis infection was associated with season and habitat. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate determinants of infection exist for scrub typhus and leptospirosis at this training site. This information can be used for developing appropriate preventive medicine plans and coordinating troop activity during periods of reduced exposure decreasing the likelihood of disease transmission to humans.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a closed colony of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

Mycobacterium infections in nonhuman primates can devastate the colonies and place human handlers at risk. Despite conservative measures to prevent exposure, infections occur even in closed colonies. Here we describe a recent case of M. tuberculosis within a closed colony of rhesus macaques at our Thailand facility and the procedures instituted to prevent subsequent infections. Investigation of the outbreak did not confirm the source of the infection, but even with intensive occupational safety measures in place, human contact remains the most likely possibility.