Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) and human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) are zoonotic tick-borne diseases transmitted via tick bites. To determine the state of human Anaplasma and Ehrlichia infections caused by tick bites in the Republic of Korea (ROK), we conducted a nationwide investigation of human cases of tick bites in 2020. A total of 180 ticks were obtained, comprising Haemaphysalis longicornis (70.0%), Amblyomma testudinarium (17.8%), Ixodes nipponensis (6.1%), H. flava (4.4%), and I. persulcatus (1.7%). In three cases (1.7%; 95% CI: 0.3–4.9), A. phagocytophilum was detected in Ixodes ticks using primers for Anaplasma-specific genes (16s rRNA, ankA, and msp4). Conversely, Ehrlichia sp. was only detected in H. longicornis, in two cases (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.1–4.0). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of Ehrlichia sp. in ticks parasitizing humans in the ROK. As concerns remain about the possibility of HGA and HME transmission, continuous monitoring and management of the pathogens and vectors are necessary.

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The purpose of this study is to develop an integrity sensitivity diagnostic system and measurement items. Through the review of previous studies, the concept of integrity sensitivity was defined, and measurement areas and measurement items of integrity sensitivity were derived. To improve the suitability of the measurement index, five preliminary surveys were conducted to derive the measurement items. Integrity sensitivity measurement area consisted of integrity competency at the individual level and integrity environment at the organizational level. Integrity competency consisted of individual knowledge, character-based attitude, and job-based attitude. Integrity environment was set by job characteristics and department readiness. A regression analysis was conducted using two local governments as examples to examine the relationship between the integrity sensitivity measurement items and the perception of organization integrity level. As a result of the analysis, it was found that among the measures of integrity sensitivity, job satisfaction, the level of integrity of work procedures, integrity leadership of department heads, and integrity culture were common factors in the two local governments and had an influence on the perception of the organization integrity level.