Investigation of Borrelia Burgdorferi Seroprevalence in Van Region of Turkey

Abstract

A total of 460 sera (226 from women and 234 from men) were obtained randomizedly in the region of Van. In the sera samples, the antibody of B. burgdorferi was investigated. For the purpose of distinguishing between B. burgdorferi antigens and the other diseases with similar antigenic characteristics, rheumatoid factor and Treponema pallidum antibody assays were performed. At the end of the study, total seropositivity was found as 6.3%, being 5.75% in women and 6.84% in men. Besides, the rate of seropositivity in the rural areas of Van, especially Ozalp (22.58%), Caldiran (18.75%) and Baskale (10%) was found higher. In conclusion, Lyme borreliosis can not be ignored in the region of Van, especially in rural areas and preventive medicine services should be aware of this disease.