Seroepidemiological study on Francisella tularensis in forestry workers and farmers

Journal Title: Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu - Year 2014, Vol 20, Issue 4

Abstract

[b] introduction[/b]. Tularemia, caused by Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis) rods, is a highly contagious zoonosis with a serious prognosis, especially in its peritoneal form. [b]Aim[/b]. Considering the affinity of F. tularensis bacteria to the water environment, the objective of the study was to conduct sero-epidemiologic studies for tularemia rods among population groups at occupational risk, living and performing work activities in post-flooded areas and in the vicinity of these areas. [b]material and method[/b]. The examinations covered 101 farmers, 36 forestry workers, and 41 people from a control group. In all the people examined, the level of specific IgM and IgG class antibodies was determined using a commercial Virion-Serion (Germany) ELISA test. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test. [b]results[/b]. Among farmers, the percentage of seropositive results in IgM and IgG classes was similar: 10.9% and 8.9%, respectively, and in forestry workers – 11.2% and 2.8%, respectively. In the sera of people of the control group, the percentage of positive results in IgM and IgG amounted 9.7% and 7.3%, respectively. Statistical analysis did not show any statistically significant differences in these results between farmers and the control group, and between forestry workers and the control group. [b]conclusions[/b]. The study confirmed the risk of infection with Francisella tularensis rods in the environments of forest exploitation, agricultural work, as well as in the urban environment. It is justifiable to carry out environmental studies for Francisella tularensis (investigation of ticks and rodents) in the forest areas and in agricultural work, as well as undertaking prophylactic actions (health education), both among people from the groups at occupational risk, and those living and performing work in the urban environment.

Authors and Affiliations

Ewa Cisak, Angelina Wójcik-Fatla, Violetta Zając, Jacek Dutkiewicz

Keywords

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