Seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum among forestry rangers in northern and northeastern Poland.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of A. phagocytophilum in a group of workers from 13 forest management areas of northern and northeastern Poland. A total of 478 sera were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Elevated IgG antibody titers were detected in 46 samples (9.6%). Of these, 34 (73.9%) had a titer of 1:64, 7 (15.2%) 1:128, and 5 (10.9%) 1:256. All seropositive persons disclaimed any clinical symptoms of HGA. The antibodies prevalent in persons with extreme outdoor activity and in indoor workers was comparable-9.6 % and 9.7%, respectively. Moreover, participants had no statisfically significant differences in the prevalence of antibodies related to sex, age, or years of employment.