Seroepidemiologic study on lyme borreliosis in isparta region in Turkey

Abstract

The frequency of anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in human sera of people from Isparta region was studied. In this study, seroprevalance of IgG and IgM antibodies in 365 blood samples collected between June and September 2005, regardless of age and gender of the people who live within the borders of Province of Isparta in Turkey and who are engaged in farming through ELISAmethod was examined. The sera determined as IgG positive through ELISA were confirmed by Western Blot. Anti Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies were detected as an IgG positivity 12 (3.28%) in 365 blood samples was found in 143 men, 5 of 12 (3. 42%) and 219 women, 7 of 12 (3.19%). In the current study, positive IgM was not observed. Related studies conducted have shown that different results were obtained in different regions, because factors such as living conditions and climatic conditions contributed much to sero positivity of Lyme disease, and this study supported these findings.