The seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in humans from two different climatic regions of Turkey and its co-seroprevalence rate with Borrelia burgdorferi

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in people living in 2 different climatic regions and to evaluate the co-seroprevalence rate of A. phagocytophilum with Borrelia burgdorferi. Sinop and Tokat provinces, both in the middle Black Sea region of Turkey, have distinct climatic features. Materials and methods: In 2006-2007, serum samples were collected from people living in rural areas of Tokat and Sivas, and anti-A. phagocytophilum IgG antibodies were explored by the IFA method. Positive samples were further investigated for the possible presence of B. burgdorferi IgG antibodies. Results: A. phagocytophilum seropositivity was found in 29 (10.62%) out of 273 serum samples in Sinop and 21 (5.77%) out of 364 serum samples in Tokat (P = 0.035). Co-seroprevalence for A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi was found to be 3.30% in Sinop and 0.55% in Tokat (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The current study suggests that A. phagocytophilum infections can be seen in humans from different climatic regions of Turkey. Both the seroprevalence of A. phagocytophilum and the possibility of mixed infections of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi are higher in places with more suitable habitats for Ixodes ricinus ticks.