Sero-epidemiological survey of Rickettsia tsutsugamushi infection in a rural Thai village.

A sero-epidemiological survey of a rural Thai village demonstrated a 77% prevalence of antibody against Rickettsia tsutsugamushi in adults. Acquisition of antibody occurred very early in life, especially in females, but the prevalence of antibody in the adult population showed no statistically significant sexual distinction. Antibody against all three prototype strains was present in Thailand but antibody titres did not vary by strain type or the age of the individual.