Table 6 Summary of proposed minimum data recording and reporting standards for studies investigating O. tsutsugamushi in vectors and non-human hosts
From: Scrub typhus ecology: a systematic review of Orientia in vectors and hosts
Topic | Checklist item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Dates | Vector and host collection dates | Month(s) and year(s). Where collections are made monthly, data should be reported monthly to inform seasonality of disease |
Location | Study site GPS coordinates and administrative divisions 1 to 4a | Spelling, transliteration and changes over time can be avoided by using GPS coordinates |
Sample collection and storage method | Hosts trapping technique. Vectors collection method. Sample storage medium and conditions | For collection of free-living vectors, provide details on methodsc |
Host species | All hosts should be identified to genus and species | Reference up to date nomenclature |
Vector species | All vectors should be identified to genus and species where possibleb | Record identification method and reference up to date nomenclature |
Laboratory methods | Provide details of laboratory methodology | Where several methods are used, ensure data clearly separated by test |
Sample type | List | Where several sample types tested, separate results. Where tissues are pooled, provide details |
Testing hosts | Numbers tested and numbers positive | Avoid pooling samples from different hosts (and species). Avoid pooling samples from different sites |
Testing vectors | Numbers tested and numbers positive. If pooled give approximate number or range per pool | Avoid pooling samples from different sites |
Host vector infestation rate | Proportion of hosts infested by the vector. Divide by host species and location | If possible, provide vector species composition |
Host vector index (chigger index: average number of chiggers/host) | Vector (chigger) index. Divide by host species and location | If possible, provide vector species composition |
Ecology | Habitat description; mean, minimum and maximum temperature; rainfall; humidity; soil type | Note differences between study sites where applicable |
Study ethics | Provide details of appropriate animal handling and euthanasia (if used) protocol and approval | Local, national and international standards may apply |