Leptotrombidium (leptotrombidium) umbricola, new species, A probable vector of scrub typhus in peninsular malaysia

Abstract

Leptotrombidium (Leptotrombidium) umbricola, described here as a new species, is a member of the L. (L.) deliense group and most closely resembles L. (L.) vivericola. L. (L.) umbricola was collected from the ground surface and from animal hosts, in similar habitats to the scrub typhus vector, L. (L.) deliense. The host and habitat distribution records and the Rickettsia tsutsugamushi infection rates within unengorged specimens suggest that L. (L.) umbricola may be an important vector of scrub typhus in Peninsular Malaysia. © 1980, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases Editorial Committee. All rights reserved.