Prevalence of rickettsioses in Poland in 2006-2012.

INTRODUCTION: Tick-borne diseases, such as rickettsioses, anaplasmosis, Lyme boreliosis and bartonellosis are often difficult to correctly diagnose. All these disease are present in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to estimate a prevalence of Rickettsia spp. infections in humans in Poland in 2006 to 2012 based on the results made in the Laboratory of Rickettsiae, Chlamydiae and Spirochetes, NIPH-NIH in Warsaw.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The levels of Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum IgM and IgG antibodies were determined by indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). From 2006 to 2012, serum samples derived from 180 humans suspected for rickettsioses, including 84 patients suspected for the infections with typhus and spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, and 96 patients suspected for anaplasmosis.

RESULTS: Specific serum antibodies to the SFG rickettsiae have been detected in 5 persons (2.7%). Granulocytic anaplasmosis has been recognized in 9 patients (4.9%). While the reporting and registration of rickettsioses are obligatory in Poland less than 50% of detected cases are reported.

CONCLUSIONS: Presented date indicate that in Poland rickettsioses are often unrecognized resulting in their underestimation. If research for rickettsiosis are made immediately after infection, antibodies will not be detect.