RESUMO
@#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.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding HIV/AIDS among Turkish brothel based sex-workers (SWs). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A pre-designed questionnaire was administered to 199 SWs to obtain their sexual behaviours and their level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS. The specimens collected for C trachomatis/N gonorrhoeae and human papillomavirus (HPV) were tested using Gen-Probe PACE 2 and HPV-screening assays, respectively. RESULTS: Aproximatelly sixty-seven per cent of the SWs knew that condoms afforded protection against HIV/AIDS and 62% reported continued use of condoms. Although most of the SWs had heard about HIV/AIDS, thorough knowledge of transmission and prevention was lacking. The overall estimated rates for C trachomatis/N gonorrhoeae and HPV were 18.6% and 9.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a need for further studies to generate more data on the prevalence of STDs and the knowledge of STDs in this population.
ANTECEDENTES: El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la pevalencia de las enfermedades de trasmisión sexual (ETS) seleccionadas, y el nivel de conocimientos y actitudes en relación con el VIH/SIDA entre las trabajadoras sexuales (TS) en burdeles turcos. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Se aplicó un cuestionario prediseñado a 199 trabajadoras sexuales a fin de revelar sus comportamientos sexuales y su nivel de conocimientos acerca del VIH/SIDA. Las muestras de C trachomatis/N gonorrhoeae y virus del papiloma humano (VPH) recogidas, fueron analizadas mediante la sonda genética conocida como Gen-Probe PACE 2 y ensayos de pesquisaje de VPH, respectivamente. RESULTADO: Aproximadamente sesenta y siete por ciento de las TS sabían que los condones daban protección contra el VIH/SIDA, y el 62% reportó uso continuado de condones. Aunque la mayor parte de las TS habían oído acerca del VIH/SIDA, les faltaban conocimientos cabales sobre la trasmisión y prevención de ETS. Las tasas generales estimadas de C trachomatis/N gonorrhoeae y VPH fueron 18.6% y 9.7%, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: Es necesario realizar estudios ulteriores a fin de generar más datos acerca de la prevalencia de las ETS y los conocimientos acerca de ellas en esta población.