Seroprevalence of rickettsial infection in northern Cyprus: A study among hunters

@#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.

Reduced phosphorylated Foxp3 levels in Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever

@#Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe human infection which can lead to fatal consequences. Acute CCHF patients were previously shown to exhibit frequencies of regulatory T-cell (Treg) but lower Treg-mediated suppressive activities than the healthy counterparts. This study aims is to investigate the phosphorylation levels of Foxp3 protein (master regulator of Treg cells) in CCHF patients. Blood samples collected from 18 CCHF patients and nine healthy volunteers were used to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Total and phosphorylated Foxp3 expression levels in the isolated PBMC samples were monitored by western blot and quantified using ImageJ software. Total Foxp3 expression levels in CCHF patients displayed decreasing trend, but not significantly. In contrast, significantly lower expression levels of phosphorylated Foxp3 were reported in CCHF patients. Our results suggest a possible association between Foxp3 dephosphorylation and CCHF pathogenesis. Nevertheless, more studies are required to evaluate the effect of Foxp3 dephosphorylation on Treg function, which would not only help to enlighten the CCHF pathogenesis but also contribute to the development of effective treatment strategies.