Article ID: JJID.2016.214
To determine SFTSV seroprevalence and identify potential risk factors in non-endemic areas, a cross-sectional study was conducted in healthy population in a mountainous area without any SFTS cases reported in Anhui province. We recruited and collected blood samples from 270 participants in four age groups. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to detect IgG antibody against SFTSV. The total seropositive rate of SFTSV IgG antibody was 6.3% (17/270). Significant difference was found between tea pluckers (9.4%, 14/149) and non-tea pluckers (2.5%, 3/121). An increasing trend in the seropositive rate was found with age in both all participants (1.5% to 14.3%) and tea pluckers (2.8% to 19.4%). Both in total participants and in tea pluckers, the SFTSV IgG antibody seropositive rate in males was higher than in females without significant difference. Age and tea pluckers are critical risk factors for SFTSV infection. According to this study, we suggested that health education should be enhanced to increase residents (especially the older ones and tea pluckers) awareness in order to protect them against SFTS viral infection.
