Infection with Babesia microti in humans with non-specific symptoms in North East Poland.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical course and effectiveness of diagnostics tools for Babesia spp. infection in patients bitten by ticks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and forty-eight patients hospitalised or seen in outpatients department because of various symptoms after a tick bite were included in the study. PCR, nucleotide sequencing of Babesia 18S rRNA gene fragment, blood smears and serological tests for Babesia spp., TBEV, A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi were performed in all patients. Six patients infected with Babesia were included in the final analysis. They had PCR, Babesia 18S rRNA gene fragment nucleotide sequencing, blood smears and serological tests for Babesia spp., TBEV, A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi performed twice. RESULTS: Tick-borne infection with Babesia microti in six immunocompetent patients with non-specific symptoms was confirmed for the first time in Poland. No severe course of the disease was seen. No piroplasm forms were noticed within erythrocytes on blood smear. Three patients developed a serological response. CONCLUSIONS: Immunocompetent patients may be unaware of infection with Babesia microti after a tick bite. It must be included in the differential diagnosis after the tick bite. In patients with low parasitaemia PCR and serology seem useful when blood smear is negative. Self-elimination of Babesia spp. is possible, especially in cases with low parasitaemia.

Analysis of main T-cell subsets and activated T supressor/cytotoxic cells in patients with Borrelia burgdorferi s. lato only infection and co-infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp. and Babesia microti.

INTRODUCTION: The study was designed to assess the role of some important immunologic factors with regards to both laboratory results and clinical symptoms in patients with confirmed Lyme disease. Additional examinations were carried out for co-infections with a number of tick-borne pathogens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 54 patients with Lyme disease and a group of 21 healthy controls. Serology of co-infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp. and Babesia microti was carrieed out in all patients. Blood samples were stained using the whole-blood lysis method and analyzed concurrently on a flow cytometer FACSCalibur. Directly conjugated anti-human monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD56, HLA-DR and CD69 were used. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed with respect to thepretreatment level of CD4+ and CD8+ cells. In patients with symptoms relief and symptoms persistence, lower percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ cells were found, but with no statistical dependence. In the study group, both in patients with and without co-infections, pretreatment values of CD16+CD56+ cells did not differ significantly. In patients who did not respond to the treatment, the baseline percentage of NK cells was higher (P<0.01) than in group with clinical improvement, and lower after the treatment, whereas in patients with symptoms relief after the treatment there was an increase in the percentage of NK cells. CONCLUSION: Co-infections with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp. and Babesia microti had no impact on T-cell percentages in Lyme disease patients. There was a lower baseline percentage of NK cells in patients not responding to antibiotic treatment.

Prevalence of antibodies against selected zoonotic agents in forestry workers from eastern and southern Poland.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Due to the nature of their work, foresters are exposed to many infectious pathogens from the wildlife reservoir. The primary aim of this study was to assess their contact with these pathogens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sera and antibodies, mainly of IgG class against selected infectious factors, collected from a group of 216 employees of National Forests from eastern and southern Poland, were investigated. RESULTS: Antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in 64 sera (29.6%), to Bartonella spp. in 133 sera (61.6%), to Babesia microti in 50 sera (23.1%), and to Coxiella burnetii in 14 sera (6.4%); 7 sera (3.2%) were positive to Francisella tularensis. In studies of diseases not carried by ticks positive results were found in 28 sera (12.9%) to Toxocara canis, 13 sera (6.0 %) to Trichinella spiralis, and in 7 sera (3.2%) to Echinococcus granulosus. Antibodies to Hanta viruses were detected with antigens from Puumala and Dobrava/Hantaan strains in both IgM and IgG class. In 9 foresters, positive results were found, including one positive result to 2 antigens, 5 to Dobrava/Hantaan antigen and 3 to Puumala antigen. CONCLUSION: Frequently higher percentages of positive results were found in people working utdoors, and in men when compared with women.

Obesity and poverty paradox in developed countries.

Obesity is a civilization disease and the proportion of people suffering from it continues to grow, especially in the developed countries. Number of obese people in Europe has increased threefold over the last 20 years. The paradox of obesity and poverty relationship is observed especially in the developed and developing countries. In developing countries, along with economic development and income growth, the number of people with overweight and obesity is increasing. This paradox has a relationship with both the easy availability and low cost of highly processed foods containing 'empty calories' and no nutritional value. To date, this paradox has been described in the United States and the United Kingdom, although many European countries are also experiencing high percentages of obese people. Among the reasons for the growing obesity in the population of poor people are: higher unemployment, lower education level, and irregular meals. Another cause of obesity is low physical activity, which among the poor is associated with a lack of money for sports equipment. Due to the large rate of deaths caused by diseases directly linked to obesity, the governments of many countries implement prevention programmes of overweight and obesity. These programmes are based primarily on educating the public about a healthy lifestyle based on healthy eating, daily physical activity and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.

Allergy to selected cosmetic ingredients.

In an era in which cosmetics are commonly used, their often prolonged contact with the human body should determine the safety of their use. Often cosmetics are the cause of many side effects, mainly hypersensitivity reactions. Common groups of cosmetic components responsible for side effects are fragrances, preservatives and dyes. This paper focuses on the most allergenic components.

Farmers' occupational diseases of allergenic and zoonotic origin.

Farmers are exposed to a number of biological, physical and chemical factors harmful to the health, resulting from the specific nature of their work environment. As is clear from epidemiological studies about occupational diseases, pneumoconioses and infectious and parasitic diseases are recorded most commonly. Due to the character of farmer's work, the greatest risk to his health is biological hazards in the form of numerous microorganisms and their metabolites, and particles of plants and animals contained in the organic dust and pathogens transmitted by vectors such as ticks. The health status of farmers is often worse than of other professional groups as a result of limited access to health care and lower health literacy. Therefore, farmers should be subject to a system of diagnosing occupational diseases, and many preventive and educational programs concerning health risks associated with their work. The aim of this paper is to characterize occupational diseases of farmers including allergic diseases, tick-borne diseases and zoonoses.

Allergenic potential of moulds isolated from buildings.

INTRODUCTION: Moulds are the one of the known biological factors that have a negative impact on human health. Moulds are commonly present in residential and work environments. Materials plentiful in organic compounds, such as building materials or paints, are a splendid substrate for the development of moulds. The first documented mention of a study describing the harmful effects caused by moulds in buildings emerged in the early nineteenth century. In Copenhagen and then in Padua, moulds of the genus Penicillium, Cladosporium and Mucor were found in buildings. OBJECTIVE: To present the current state of the allergic properties and other negative health effects caused by moulds isolated from buildings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: The literature and own research clearly shows that moulds and their secondary metabolites can evoke toxic effects on human and animal health, and cause symptoms similar to allergic diseases. These allergens have been noted in spores as well as other fungal fragments; however, most allergens are located in germinating spores, in the hyphal tips and in mycelia. Fungal allergy can express in different ways: asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria and atopic dermatitis. Fungal allergy antigen is bound to IgE-dependent reactions but also to reactions independent of IgE. CONCLUSIONS: Moulds are a significant but difficult to detect etiologic agent of different allergic diseases. Prevention of this diseases is important for patients with suspected connection between common allergic symptoms and affinity with moulds.

Grain dust originating from organic and conventional farming as a potential source of biological agents causing respiratory diseases in farmers.

INTRODUCTION: Agricultural producers are exposed to a number of different health risks associated with their work environment. AIM: The objective of the study was to assess the degree of colonization by fungi in terms of quantity and in terms of variety of species the samples taken from the settled dust from combine threshing of rye cultivation from organic and conventional farms in the Province of Lublin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This paper is a preliminary quantitative assessment of the species of fungi colonizing the samples of settled dust collected during combine threshing from organic and conventional farms in the Province of Lublin. One of the stages of the project was the classification of biosafety BSL (biosafety level) of selected isolates and API ZYM tests to evaluate the potential ability of isolates to cause adverse health effects. To determine the concentration and composition of fungi in collected samples plate dilution method was used with two media: Malt Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar. RESULTS: MOST COMMONLY ISOLATED FUNGI IN SETTLED DUST SAMPLES COLLECTED DURING COMBINE THRESHING FROM ORGANIC FARMS, ON PDA MEDIUM WERE: Alternaria alternata and Aureobasidium pullulans. Cultures on MA medium were dominated by Alternaria alternata, Mycelia sterilia and Fusarium poae. In samples of dust from conventional crops, the predominant species was Alternaria alternata on PDA medium and on MA medium. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results show a potential risk of people involved in agricultural work.

Rye grains and the soil derived from under the organic and conventional rye crops as a potential source of biological agents causing respiratory diseases in farmers.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the specific work environment, farmers are exposed to various biological occupational hazard. Among these factors significant are fungi present in the grain and also in the soil. The fungi may be the cause of human diseases including skin infections, asthma, allergic rhinitis and many others. AIM: The aim of this study was to quantify and identify species of fungi colonizing rye grain samples and the soil under cultivation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: THE MATERIAL CONSISTED OF GRAIN AND SOIL SAMPLES FROM TWO AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS: organic and conventional. To determine the concentration and composition of fungi in collected samples, two media: Malt Agar (MA, Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA, Becton, Dickinson and Company) were used. The composition of species in fungal flora was determined using macroscopic and microscopic methods. The isolates of fungi were ranked in the appropriate classes of biosafety BSL. RESULTS: THE MOST FREQUENTLY ISOLATED FUNGI FROM ORGANIC RYE GRAIN, REGARDLESS OF THE MEDIA USED, WERE SPECIES: Aureobasidium pullulans and Alternaria alternata. In conventional farms, most species isolated from rye grain were: Aureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata and yeast-like fungi. Most often species isolated from the soil was Penicillium citreo-viride. CONCLUSIONS: All the results of the research demonstrate the potential hazard to the health of people working in agriculture. Significant exposure of this professional group is associated with the presence of harmful biological agents present in the grain and soil from its cultivation.

Serological survey in persons occupationally exposed to tick-borne pathogens in cases of co-infections with Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp. and Babesia microti.

Sera of 39 farmers, 119 foresters and 32 blood donors were investigated for the presence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi, A. phagocytophilum, B. microti and Bartonella spp. Semi-quantitative indirect immunofluorescence test was used to measure titers of anti-A. phagocytophilum, B. microti and Bartonella spp. IgG. ELISA test was used to measure titers of anti-B. burgdorferi IgM and IgG. B. burgdorferi was the most frequently observed among all the examined pathogens. 27.7% of farmers, 23.1% of forestry workers and 37.5% of control group were infected with Bartonella spp. Anti-A. phagocytophilum and anti-B. microti reactions were observed rarely. Sera of persons with single infection dominated in farmers and forestry workers. Co-infection with 2 pathogens was observed more frequently in forestry workers and farmers than in the control group. Co-infections with 3-4 pathogens were observed only in forestry workers. Among the observed co-infections, the most frequent were: B. burgdorferi with Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi with A. phagocytophilum. Moreover, in forestry workers, triple coinfections with B. burgdorferi, Bartonella spp. and A. phagocytophilum and one quadruple coinfection were observed. Persons with occupational risk of tick bites, especially forestry workers, more often have anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies and are more often co-infected with various tick-borne pathogens than the persons from the control group. It seems that more often coinfections in persons with occupational risk of tick bites are a consequence of the higher incidence of infection with B. burgdorferi, as anti-B. microti, A. phagocytophilum and Bartonella spp. antibodies are not more commonly prevalent in persons with occupational risk of tick bites than in healthy volunteers.

Analysis of psychoactive and intoxicating substances in legal highs.

"Legal highs" known also as "smarts", "legal drugs" or "boosters" contain in their composition psychoactive substances the production, sale and possession of which are not prohibited in legislation. They are offered for sale under the cover of collectors' items, a salt bath, aroma sticks, or plant fertilizer. Marketing was the reason for such high sales of these "highs" in Poland. The phenomenon became of concern when information became available about the first cases of tragic health consequences. Raising the awareness of youth about the level of imminent danger and serious consequences associated with the use of legal highs may be a very effective way to develop appropriate attitudes of young people, and in the light of their own health can help them take proper life decisions."Legal highs" are substances of natural or synthetic origin having psychostimulating properties. These compounds may differ in chemical structure, potency, half-life, metabolism and severity of side effects. Their pharmacological activity is associated with changes in the neurotransmitter system. After higher doses of "legal highs" psychotic symptoms may occur: visual and auditory hallucinations resembling schizophrenic endogenous psychoses. An alarming fact is the underestimation of the adverse effect of these substances on human health. Any actions aimed at improving this situation are extremely important; therefore, in one of the key projects undertaken at the Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, in cooperation with other scientific institutes, concerned the analysis of a selected series of "legal highs". This research was meant top serve as a source of information for science and medicine, and for popularizing knowledge about legal highs.

Study on Lyme borreliosis focus in the Lublin region (eastern Poland).

A suburban focus of Lyme borreliosis situated 11 km from the southern border of the city of Lublin (eastern Poland) was characterized. The focus covers an area of circa 100 km(2), surrounding 3 localities inhabited by circa 7,500 people engaged mostly in farming. It was demonstrated that on the area of focus the infection rate of Ixodes ricinus ticks with Borrelia burgdorferi, frequency of serological response of inhabitants to the antigen of Borrelia burgdorferi, and incidence of Lyme borreliosis were significantly (p<0.001) greater compared to the whole territory of Lublin province, and were respectively 13.1 % vs. 4.7 %, 33.0 % vs. 13.7 %, and 0.002 % vs. 0.00075 % .

Prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus ticks determined by polymerase chain reaction with two pairs of primers detecting 16S rRNA and ankA genes.

A total of 684 Ixodes ricinus ticks (321 nymphs, 184 males, and 179 females) were collected by flagging lower vegetation in 6 forest districts located on the territory of Lublin province (eastern Poland). Ticks were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA with two pairs of primers: EHR521/EHR747 for detecting 16S rRNA gene, and LA6/LA1 for detecting ankA gene. To study the relationship between infection in ticks and people occupationally exposed to tick bite, blood serum samples of 261 forestry workers employed in the same forest districts were examined by immunofluorescence method for the presence of specific antibodies against A. phagocytophilum. A total of 70 ticks out of 684 examined (10.2%) showed the presence of A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA gene. The prevalence of infection was significantly dependent on tick's stage (chi-square=49.2, p<0.00001) and geographical locality (chi-square=34.4, p<0.00001). The percentage of I. ricinus females infected with A. phagocytophilum (24.6%) was significantly greater compared to males (6.5%) and nymphs (4.4%) (p<0.00001). Only 19 ticks out of 684 examined (2.8%) showed the presence of A. phagocytophilum ankA gene, significantly less compared to 16S rRNA gene (p<0.00001). The prevalence of infection demonstrated by the presence of ankA gene was also significantly dependent on tick's stage (chi-square=23.6, p<0.00001) but not on locality (chi-square=9.8, p=0.082). A significant correlation was found between the presence of A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA gene in I. ricinus female ticks from the particular forest districts and the serologic response to A. phagocytophilum of forestry workers employed in the same districts (p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between the presence of A. phagocytophilum ankA gene in I. ricinus ticks and serologic response of exposed workers. In conclusion, detection of A. phagocytophilum infection in ticks by PCR with the use of EHR521/EHR747 primers detecting 16S rRNA gene is significantly more sensitive compared to LA6/LA1 primers detecting ankA gene.

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Lublin region (eastern Poland).

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of 3 Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from wooded areas of the Lublin region (eastern Poland). A group of 1,813 I. ricinus ticks from 6 districts were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B.b.s.l.) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Another group of 438 I. ricinus ticks collected from 4 districts were examined for the presence of B.b.s.l. by culture on BSKH liquid medium confirmed by PCR, and for the presence of Borrelia spp. by dark field microscopy (DFM). Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii) were determined by nested-PCR in 113 ticks lysates showing presence of B.b.s.l. (in PCR or in culture and PCR). 5.4 % of I. ricinus ticks examined by PCR showed the presence of B.b.s.l. DNA. The infection rate was highest in females (12.1 %), lower in males (6.0 %) and the lowest in nymphs (1.7 %) (p < 0.001). The minimum infection rate of I. ricinus ticks with B.b.s.l. determined by culture was 3.4 %, whereas the minimum infection rate of ticks with motile spirochetes morphologically resembling Borrelia spp., determined by DFM, amounted to 11.2 %. The presence of all 3 Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies under investigation was found in ticks collected from 5 out of 6 examined districts. In 81.4 % of infected ticks only single infection with 1 genospecies was observed, while coinfections with 2 or 3 genospecies were detected respectively in 16.8 % and 1.8 % of infected ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was the dominant genospecies in all examined tick stages and districts, both in single infections and in coinfections, and found in a total of 62.8 % of I. ricinus ticks infected with B.b.s.l. Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii were less frequent and observed in respectively 39.8 % and 17.8 % of infected ticks.

Correlation of tests for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in patients with diagnosed borreliosis.

A group of 180 patients with diagnosed Lyme borreliosis were examined for the presence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) by serologic tests with B. burgdorferi s.l. antigens (IgM-ELISA, IgG-ELISA, IgM-immunoblot, IgG-immunoblot) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR, nested-PCR) for detection of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA in peripheral blood. A total of 61.7 %, 53.9 %, 62.2 %, and 59.4 % of the examined patients' sera showed positive or borderline results in the serologic tests IgM-ELISA, IgG-ELISA, IgM-immunoblot, and IgG immunoblot, respectively. The results of the tests IgM-ELISA and IgM-immunoblot were significantly correlated (p < 0.001). A higher degree of the correlation (p < 0.000001) was found at the comparison of results obtained with IgG-ELISA and IgG-immunoblot. The correlation between the positive findings in the IgM-ELISA and detection with IgM-immunoblot the diagnostically important B. burgdorferi s.l. OspC surface protein was relatively low but statistically significant (0.01 < p < 0.05). Much higher correlation was found between the positive findings in the IgG-ELISA and detection with IgG-immunoblot other diagnostically important B. burgdorferi s.l. antigen, the VlsE protein (p < 0.000001). The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA was found by PCR in 20 out 180 examined blood samples (11.1 %). No correlation was found to exist between the PCR results and the results of any of the serologic tests for detection of anti B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies of IgM class. PCR results correlated significantly at a relatively low level (0.01 < p < 0.05) with the results of IgG-ELISA, but not with the results of IgG-immunoblot with regard to total reactions (0.2 < p < 0.1). By contrast, a distinctly significant correlation was found between the PCR results and detection of the VlsE protein with IgG-immunoblot (0.001 < p < 0.01). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that antibodies of IgG class are the most reliable marker in laboratory diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis, in particular those directed against VlsE surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.

Prevalence of Babesia microti in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Lublin region (eastern Poland).

A total of 1,367 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from 5 districts of the Lublin region (eastern Poland) were examined for the presence of Babesia microti DNA by PCR and nested-PCR. As many as 74 ticks (5.4 %) were found to be infected with Babesia microti. The infection rate varied significantly with stage/sex of ticks (chi (2) =16.48543, df=2, p < 0.000264). The infection rates in females and males amounted to 6.4 % and 8.8 % respectively and were significantly higher (p=0.006 and p=0.0001 respectively) compared to minimum infection rate in nymphs that was equal to 2.8 %. The prevalence of infection showed also a significant variability depending on geographic location within the Lublin region (chi(2) =18.62812, df=4, p < 0.000932). The highest rates of infection with Babesia microti were noted in ticks collected from the areas of Pulawy district situated in the northern part of region and the suburban Lublin district situated in the central part of the region (8.0 % and 7.3 % respectively). Mediocre infection rates (respectively 3.4 % and 3.3 %) were found in ticks from the Parczew and Wlodawa districts situated in eastern part of the region and covered with humid lakeland forests. The lowest infection rate (0.5 %) was noted in ticks from the Zamosc district situated in southern part of the region. In conclusion, the infection rate of Ixodes ricinus ticks with Babesia microti found in this study is higher compared to the majority of data reported by Polish and other European authors, and indicates a potential risk of human infection during occupational or recreational exposure to tick bite.

Risk of tick-borne bacterial diseases among workers of Roztocze National Park (south-eastern Poland).

The objective of the present study was to assess the risk of borreliosis and anaplasmosis (ehrlichiosis) among the forestry workers of the Roztocze National Park (south-eastern Poland) by examination of Ixodes ricinus ticks living in park area with PCR method, and by the serological and clinical examination of the workers. In 406 examined ticks, the prevalence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was 11.5 %. The nested PCR reaction for determining the genospecies showed that the most common was Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (55.3 % of total positive) followed by Borrelia afzelii (38.3 %). As many as 6.1 % out of 115 examined ticks showed the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA. The infection rate was high in males and females (14.3 % and 11.1 % respectively) and low in nymphs (1.5 %). In 46 out 113 examined forestry workers (40.7 %) the presence of specific IgG and/or IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was found in ELISA test, while only 4 out of 56 urban blood donors showed a positive response (p<0.0001). The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum determined with the use of indirect immunofluorescence test (IFA) was 17.7 % in forestry workers compared to 5.4 % in reference group of blood donors (p<0.05). No correlation was found between the presence of antibodies to A. phagocytophilum and to B. burgdorferi s. l. Clinical investigations of 113 forestry workers showed 3 cases of borreliosis (2.7 %) and no cases of anaplasmosis (ehrlichiosis). In conclusion, forestry workers of the Roztocze National Park in south-eastern Poland are often exposed to Ixodes ricinus ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and show a high proportion of asymptomatic borreliosis and anaplasmosis (ehrlichiosis) manifested by a positive serologic response, while the number of clinical cases is relatively low.

Antinuclear antibodies are not increased in the early phase of Borrelia infection.

In the literature, there are case reports suggesting that Borrelia burgdorferi infection may induce autoimmune diseases dependent on antinuclear antibodies (ANA). The present study was undertaken in order to verify this possibility in a prospective manner. The study group comprised 78 consecutive patients (51 women and 27 men, median age 41.5 years) referred to our Department for the serologic diagnosis of Borrelia infection. The patients' sera were tested for Borrelia-specific IgM and IgG (Recombinant Antigen Enzyme Immunoassays, Biomedica). Antibodies against Borrelia were detected in 31 (39.7 %) persons. 15 persons (19.2 %) had positive IgM, another 15 (19.2 %)--positive IgG, and 1 person (3.2 %)--both IgM and IgG. Frequent positivity of IgM antibodies suggests that persons in the early phase of infection prevailed in the group. Tests for anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP, anti-Sm antibodies, and a screening test for systemic rheumatic diseases (ANA Rheuma Screen) were carried out using Varelisa Enzyme Immunoassays (Pharmacia and Upjohn). The spectrum of autoimmune diseases covered by these tests included SLE, MCTD, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. ANA were detected in 15 persons (19.2 %): anti-dsDNA in 7 (9.0 %), anti-RNP in 1 (1.3 %), anti-Sm in 2 (2.6 %), and ANA Rheuma Screen was positive in 6 persons (7.7 %). Statistical analysis of differences in the ANA frequency between Borrelia-positive and -negative groups was carried out using Fisher's exact chi-square test (both without and with gender and age matching). No significant differences were found between the groups. Based on the above results, we conclude that there is no increase in the frequency of antinuclear antibodies in the early phase of Borrelia infection.

[Prevalence of antibodies to Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi in forestry workers from the Lublin region]. / Wystepowanie przeciwcial przeciw Anaplasma phagocytophilum i Borrelia burgdorferi u lesników w regionie lubelskim.

Ticks are recently regarded as ones of the most important vectors of emerging diseases. One of these diseases is human granulocytic ehrlichiosis caused by obligatory intracellular microorganism recently named as Anaplasma phagocytophilum. 334 sera from forestry workers and 56 sera from blood donors (as a control group) were collected and examined for antibodies to A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi. The antibodies were found statistically more frequently in sera from foresters compared to sera of the control group, both to A. phagocytophilum (19.8% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001) and B. burgdorferi (32.0% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.01). Only 15 sera (4.5%) were found positive for both examined bacteria suggesting inhibition of coexistence although it was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between percentages of antibodies to A. phagocytophilum and to B. burgdorferi from different locations.

Prevalence of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii among farming population in eastern Poland.

The presence of blood serum antibodies to Coxiella burnetii phase I antigen, indicative of chronic Q fever or convalescence, was found by indirect immuno-fluorescent test in 16 out of 90 examined farmers (17.8 %) living in the Lublin region (eastern Poland) and in none of 30 examined urban blood donors living in the city of Lublin (p < 0.05). In both groups no antibodies to C. burnetii phase II antigen, indicative of acute Q fever, were detected. The frequency of antibodies among farmers was greater in females than in males (26.1 % versus 9.1 %, p < 0.05) and was significantly dependent on age ( xi(2) = 146.42, p < 0.000001) being greatest in the subgroup of farmers aged 41-55 (38.5 %) while no positive reactions were found in young and elderly farmers (respectively, equal to or below 25 and above 56 years). The results suggest that the examined agricultural region could be in the past an epidemic area of Q fever, probably before 15-30 years.