Determination of seroprevelence of borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in adult population living in Trabzon

Lyme borreliosis (or Lyme disease) is the most common, multisystemic tick-borne disease in America and Europe. Although it is thought to be widespread in our country, studies about its seroprevalence is relatively limited. In this study, it is aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in Trabzon, and detection of relationships between Lyme disease and location, gender, age groups, marital status, occupational groups, income level, and education levels. A total of 884 blood samples collected from the provincial and district centers were included in this study. ELISA method was used in order to determine the anti-Borrelia IgG antibody levels in the samples. Samples giving positive results by ELISA were confirmed by WB. IgG antibodies was found positive in 128 samples (%14.5). Data were statistically evaluated by chi-square test, while the relationship between the positive results and location, age groups, educational levels, marital status, occupational groups, and income level have been found meaningless; a statistically significant correlation was found between positive results and gender (p=0.516, p=0.541, p=0.062, p=0.217, p=0.147, p=408, p<0.001, respectively). The findings revealed that the risk of getting Lyme borreliosis in Trabzon is high, and necessary measures need to be taken to prevent from the disease.