1.Seroprevalence of rickettsial infection in northern Cyprus: A study among hunters
Ruh, E. ; Aras, S. ; Gazi, U. ; Celebi, B. ; Tosun, O. ; Sanlidag, T. ; Imir, T. ; Taylan-Ozkan, A.
Tropical Biomedicine 2022;39(No.2):221-225
This study was conducted to investigate rickettsial seropositivity among hunters, a high-risk population for
tick-borne diseases in northern Cyprus. Serum samples were collected from 300 hunters from different
locations during the 2017-2018 hunting season (November 2017 - February 2018). The samples were
analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using slides coated with Rickettsia slovaca, a
species belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG). During the sample collection, a questionnaire was
also applied to evaluate possible risk factors for rickettsial seropositivity. Of the 300 serum samples,
six (2.0%) were found to be IgG-positive with a titer of 1:64. While all seropositive individuals were
male, the statistical analysis revealed no significant association of gender with rickettsial seropositivity
(p=1.000). Other factors including age (p=0.414), residential places of the participants (p=0.347),
hunting years (p=0.694) or hunting abroad (p=1.000) did not significantly affect the IgG positivity. Also,
no statistical correlation was found between a history of an arthropod (tick, louse, or flea) bite and
rickettsial seropositivity (p=1.000). To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates rickettsial
seropositivity among human population in northern Cyprus. Our study suggests that awareness should be
raised among the people especially involved in outdoor activities such as hunting, and control programs
should be implemented to prevent possible rickettsiosis cases. Further serological studies using other
Rickettsia spp. antigens, as well as molecular studies that search for Rickettsia spp. in humans, animals
and arthropods are needed to obtain more comprehensive data on rickettsiosis in northern Cyprus.


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