• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.154-157
• /
• 2005

Purpose : We evaluated the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of mycoplasma pneumonia. Methods : A total of 559 medical records of children with mycoplasma pneumonia admitted to The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. Results : The mean annual number of cases was 51. There was a higher occurrence in autumn (September-November, 41.7%) and in winter(26.7%). Outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumonia were noted in 1993-94, 1997, 2001, and 2003. The age distribution showed a peak frequency of 5-6 years of age and 68.2 percent of patients were in 3-8 years of age. The male-to-female ratio was 1.2 : 1. In comparison between 1994 and 2003, there was a difference in age distribution with a peak frequency of 5-6 years of age in 1994, and of 3-4 years of age in 2003. There were outbreaks during autumn and winter in 1993-94, and during summer and autumn in 2003. Conclusion : Outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumonia occurred every 2-4 years in Daejeon in accordance with nationwide epidemics during 1993-2003. The peak incidence of age in the recent outbreak was younger than in the outbreak which occurred 10 years ago, and in outbreaks in Western countries.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.268-272
• /
• 2010

South Korea is susceptible to foreign diseases due to its high rate of livestock importation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the infectious conditions of contagious disease of horses imported into South Korea from other countries. The horses were tested for contagious equine metritis (CEM), equine infectious anemia (EIA), equine piroplasmosis (EP), equine viral arteritis (EVA), vesicular stomatitis (VS), dourine, and glanders. The prevalence of these infectious diseases in 6,650 horses imported from 24 countries between 2003 and 2008 was reviewed by the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service. Seropositive results were found for EIA, EP, EVA, dourine and glanders: 3/6,189 serum samples tested were EIA-positive, 37/6,005 samples tested by complement fixation (CF) were EP-positive, 28/6,043 samples tested by virus neutralization (VN) were EVA-positive, 4/2,071 serum samples tested by CF were positive for dourine, and 4/1,950 samples tested by CF were positive for glanders. No contagious equine metritis or vesicular stomatitis was detected. In total, 76/6,650 imported horses tested positive for an infectious disease. Notably, 4/6 sera (66.6%), all taken from horses imported from Tanzania, were positive for glanders. This is the first report of glanders infection in horses from Tanzania since 1996.

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.51-59
• /
• 2000

During the recent epidemic period ($1995{\sim}1996$), seven strains of rubella virus were isolated in Korea. To analyze phylogenetic relationship between seven Korean strains and rubella virus strains from other different geographical areas, structural genes (E1, E2 and C) of Korean strains were enzymatically amplified and automatically sequenced. The sequence similarities of the E1, E2 and C genes of the cosmopolitan types were $95.8{\sim}98.1%$, $92.6{\sim}99.2%$ and $96.4{\sim}99.3%$ based on 1,441, 122 and 139 nucleotides and $96.9{\sim}98.5%$, $90{\sim}100%$ and $97.8{\sim}100%$ based on 480, 40 and 46 amino acids compared to the sequences of strain RA27/3, respectively. In contrast, the sequence similarities of the E1, E2 and C genes of the Asian types were $91.5{\sim}92.1%$, $83.6{\sim}88.5%$ and 91.4% based on nucleotides and $96.9{\sim}97.7%$, 85.5% and 97.8% based on amino acids compared to the sequences of strain RA27/3, respectively. However, immunodominent epitopes of the E1 gene of the cosmopolitan and Asian types were well conserved, and the growth patterns in cell culture and immunofluorescent antibody titers in cross-reaction test showed no differences between two different types. In phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences of each gene regions, the cosmopolitan and Asian types formed two distinct phylogenetic lineages. These data showed two distinct genotypes of rubella viruses cocirculated in Korea, but no significant differences in the antigenicity of two different rubella virus strains were found.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.37-43
• /
• 2017

Purpose: Pertussis can be prevented with a vaccine. Despite this, there have been an increasing number of cases worldwide, and also in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the recent outbreak in the Changwon area. Methods: Patients who visited Changwon Fatima Hospital from July 2015 to March 2016 with respiratory symptoms, including spasmodic cough, cough induced vomiting, inspiratory 'intake' sound (whooping), and a night-time cough for >1 week were included in this study. Respiratory specimens were collected from patients and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and detected anti-pertussis immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit test were performed. Patients with underlying diseases, or those who had received a DTaP or Tdap vaccination in recent 1 year were excluded. Results: Pertussis was diagnosed in 37 of 50 patients, two patients were positive according to the PCR, and 37 patients were positive according to serologic tests. The age distribution of the patients was 1 month to 15 years. After administering antibiotics, all patients recovered without complications. Conclusions: A pertussis outbreak occurred in Changwon in 2015 and 2016. This data can provide the basis for further study on the epidemiology of pertussis in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.36 no.3
• /
• pp.151-155
• /
• 2013

Since a large number of Akabane and bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) infection occurred in the southern part of Korea in 2010, recent information about seroprevalence of Akabane virus (AKAV) and bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) has been required for preventing both diseases. In this study, serological assay against AKAV and BEFV using virus neutralization assay was conducted using 1,743 bovine sera collected from Namwon, Miryang, Yeongju and Uljin which located in Southern part of Korea from March to May in 2012. The overall seropositive rates for AKAV and BEFV were found to be 49.8% and 1.2%, respectively. The regional distribution of seroprevalence for AKAV ranged from 18.1% to 63.7%. Seroprevalences of AKAV were 63.7% in Miryang, 62.3% in Uljin, 50.7% in Namwon, and 18.1% in Yeongju. The seropositive rates for AKAV in southern part of Korea were higher than the annual average at the national level. On the other hand, seropositive rates of BEFV in four regions were from 0.3 to 3.1%. In detail, regional seroprevalences were 3.1% in Miryang, 2.0% in Uljin, and 1.7% in Yeongju, and 0.3% in Namwon. Even only one year after massive outbreaks, overall seropositive rates were very low, similar to the annual average at the nation level. This result indicates that many number of cattle infected with BEFV may be replaced by new born calf or cattle in farm may not be immunized with vaccines. To prevent another epidemic, a national wide warning should be issued and more aggressive control measure must be implied. Recent global warming phenomenon could lead to more vigorous activity of haematophagous vectors and it is possible that arboviral diseases such as AKAV and BEFV are increased. Therefore, continuous sero-monitoring and extensive vaccination combined with control of haematophagous vectors are important to effectively prevent and control diseases caused by AKAV and BEFV.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.21 no.6
• /
• pp.819-828
• /
• 2011

To inspect norovirus contamination of groundwater in south eastern areas of Korea, a systematic survey of groundwater in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do was performed for two years from 2009 to 2010. For this purpose, we first optimized the nested reverse transcription-PCR condition by designing two sets of primers for the detection of norovirus genogroups, GI and GII. Of 145 samples, 21 (25.9%) and 15 (23.4%) were norovirus positive in the dry season (April to June) and wet season (July to August), respectively. The detection frequencies of norovirus in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do were 15%, 7%, and 32%, respectively, reflecting a geographical difference in their distribution. The GI and GII isolates were 5 and 31, respectively, indicating the prevalence of GII in the tested areas. According to phylogenetic analysis of their nucleotide sequences, all of the GI isolates were identified to genotype GI.5 whilst the GII isolates were divided into two genotypes, GII.3 and GII.4. Neither physical-chemical parameters such as pH, temperature, oxidation-reduction potential, and dissolved oxygen, nor microbial indicators of water quality such as total bacteria, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli were statistically correlated with contamination of norovirus in the groundwater. Interestingly, however, the presence of norovirus was closely correlated with low turbidity (<0.50 NTU). The present study suggests that periodical monitoring of norovirus in groundwater is necessary to prevent epidemic waterborne diseases and to secure better sanitary conditions for public health.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.27 no.2 s.46
• /
• pp.175-185
• /
• 1994

In order to anticipate disease pattern and health problems of Koreans in the 1st part of 21st century (by the year 2020), transition of population characteristics, mortality and morbidity data during the last 30 years Koreans have experienced were reviewed. On the actual basis of epidemiologic transition process that has undergone during last 30 years since 1960 along with socioeconomic development and successful implementation of selective national health policies (family planning, medical insurance and etc.), following changes can be expected in the 21st century in Korea, under the assumption that the current rate of progress is maintained. The population of South Korea alone will be doubled the population of 1960 by the year 2013 : aged Population older than 65 years will be increased from 3.3% in 1960 to 11.4% in 2020 with increased average age of the population from 23.6 year in 1970 to 39.2 year in 2020; urban population from 28% in 1960 to 83% in 2005. GNP/capita has increased tremendously from U.S. $120 in 1970 to $6,749 in 1992, and the government estimated it would be 519,350 in 2010 and $29,460 in 2020. Growth and developmental indices of children, educational achievement and social status of women also showed a remarkable improvement and anticipated to make futher progress. Leading causes of mortality and morbidity have shown a striking change during the last 30 years, from infectious diseases to chronic degenerative diseases and man-made injuries. Occurrence of communicable diseases may become minimal although viral hepatitis, venereal diseases Including AIDS, and well adapted herpes virus infections will maintain their endemic level. Newly evolving infectious agents, however, should be carefully monitored because of rapidly changing environments and human behaviours. Tuberculosis may increase up to the epidemic level when AIDS prevails. Ischemic heart diseases may increase steadily with increasing occurrence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus whereas cerebrovascular diseases may be decreased slowly. Musculaskeletal diseases which contribute a lot to the disability of aged people may be a major health problems due to increased aged population. Mental diseases, particularly that caused by alcohol and drug abuse, and senile dementia may become a prominent health problem. On the other hand injuries caused by traffic and industrial accidents that have shown most striking increase till now may be decreased considerably by intensive intervention. The health policies in the 21st century will be oriented to the health promotion for good quality life rather than life-savings.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
• /
• v.40 no.1
• /
• pp.173-186
• /
• 2000

This experiment was carried out to investigate the tendency of incident diseases in pre- and post- weaning piglets which ages were 1 to 7 weeks old by laboratory diagnosis and in order to minimize death in preweaning piglets and of stunted growth in postweaning piglets. The result of this experiment used as the basic data for the preventive programs in pre- and post- weaning piglets and were as follows: 23 different diseases diagnosed in 331 cases were studied in relation to age, season, and etiology. The most prevelent diseases of pre- and post- weaning piglet were Colibacillosis(79 case, 23.9%) and the major diseases were Salmonellosis(44 cases, 13.3%), Anemia(37 cases, 11.2%). Unknown viral disease(20 case, 6.1%), Rota viral infection(19 case, 5.8%), Porcine reproductive & respiratory syndrome(PRRS; 15 case 4.5%), Transmissible gastroenteritis(TGE; 12 case, 3.6%). The gastrointestinal disease, such as Colibacillosis, Salmonellosis, Swine dysentery, Clostridial infection, Rotaviral infection, TGE, Porcine epidemic diarrhea(PED) and Ballantidiosis occured pro- dominently in the period of pre- and post- weaning, which were 178 cases(53.8%) and not related to occurrence according to age and season. The respiratory diseases were Atrophic rhinitis(AR), Swine enzootic pneumonia, Pneumonic pasteurellosis, Pleuropneumonia, Branchopneumonia, PRRS and which were 48 cases(14.5%) and higher prevalent in spring and summer. The viral diseases was 73 cases(22.1%) that occurred in the period of 5 weeks piglet and prevalent mainly in spring. The bacterial diseases were 188 cases(56.8%) that were not related to occurrence according to age and season. Salmonellosis was prevalent in 3 to 5 weeks piglet and mainly occurred in summer. Viral septicemia and rotaviral infection occurred after 5 weeks piglets intensively and 3 to 5 weeks, respectively. And the both occurred without relation with season. PRRS occurred after 4 weeks piglet and prevalent in summer. TGE occurred 1 to 7 days old piglets and prevalent in spring and winter. Hematologic values of anemia was decrease in number of Red Blood Cell, concentration of Hemoglobin and Hematocrit. Amikacin, cephalothin, colistin, norfloxacin were effective to E coli, and amikacin, cephalothin, nortloxacin, neomycin were effective to Salmonellra spp. but clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin, sulfonamides were resistant to E coli and Salmonella spp.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.69-77
• /
• 1993

The purpose of this study is to obtain some basic data necessary for more effective health education by questionnaire survey on the knowledge, attitude and preventive health behavior. The questionnaire forms were delivered to 500 university students in seoul during periods from 24 to 28, september, from 7 to 19, October, 1991. The result of this study can be summarized as follows: 1) Washing hands after using toilet has relationship to sex (fece: $X^2=51.55$, urine: $X^2=36.25$, p<0.05). Index of female was higher than that of male. 2) Tooth brushing has relationship to sex ($X^2=13.28$, p<0.05). The tendency of practice of male and female was similar. 3) Changing of underwear 1~3 days were the highest and it has relationship to sex ($X^2=162.846$, p<0.05), birth place ($X^2=97.18$, p<0.05). Index of female was higher than that of male. 4) Bathing has relationship to sex ($X^2=80.92$, p<0.05). birth place ($X^2=54.18$, p<0.05, pocket money ($X^2=33.04$, p<0.05). 5) The attitude on occurrence of epidemic disease has relationship to sex ($X^2=70.33$, p<0.05). A female was more senstive than male. 6) In case of slight disease, a cold, illness from fatigue, the utilization of drug store was higher. The utilization of medical center according to disease has relationship to sex ($X^2=69.84$, p<0.05). 7) Medical behaviorism has relationship to school year ($X^2=35.18$, p<0.05), sex ($X^2=42.18$, p<0.05). 8) The utilization of school health center has relationship to sex ($X^2=10.73$, p<0.05), the school year ($X^2=72.09$, p<0.05), the pocket money ($X^2=38.80$, p<0.05). 9) The experience of health education has relationship to school year ($X^2=10.96$, p<0.05). No experence is 95.4%. 10) The subject for health-medical knowledge is necessary. The need for subject has relationship to sex ($X^2=10.86$, p<0.05).

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
• /
• v.62
• /
• pp.285-311
• /
• 2020

Many people are suffering from the economic crisis and poverty that are deepening due to the recent spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. In this situation, this study focuses on the biblical Jubilee in order to seek how "Jubilee justice" can be realized in the modern context. The Law of Jubilee consists of four contents: the liberation of slaves, debt remission, land return and fallow. Ultimately it aims to prevent human slavery and preserve equality. Nevertheless, the thought of Jubilee has been distorted theologically and situationally, and as a result, it has been overlooked in the field of Christian education, and there is a limit in Christian practice for social justice. The thought of Jubilee, however, can be an alternative to overcome various problems of modern society such as the issue of the privatization of Christianity or the deepening of polarization caused by neoliberal globalization and can contribute positively to the practice of social justice. In other words, the thought of Jubilee can act as a biblical initiative in reforming wrong laws and establishing institutions for the poor on the institutional level; on the personal level, it can be a great motive in terms of the change of perception and the practice of the sharing economy. Jubilee education, which aims for Jubilee justice, helps to break the misconceptions and change the existing meaning perspectives on the basis of various interdisciplinary knowledge and supports social behavior for transforming social structure through activation of public opinion and fund raising at the practical level. Therefore, the learners of Christian education can play a public role in transforming the unjust society.