title: Seroreactivity to Dirofilaria antigens in people from different areas of Serbia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Northern part of Serbia is hyperendemic-endemic for canine dirofilarioses. Considering this fact, many human dirofilarial infections could be expected, however only about 30 cases in Serbia have been described until today. Aims of this survey were to assess the people reactivity to the antigens of D. repens and D. immitis and to identify risk factors for the contact exposure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Investigation included sera taken from 297 people (179 women and 118 men) living in different areas of Serbia (Pančevo, Novi Sad, Zaječar, Leskovac, Vranje, Niš, Pirot). Sera were analysed by means of two indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) home-designed that use as antigens adult somatic/metabolic polyproteins of D. repens (DR) and D. immitis (DI), respectively. The results were elaborated using the statistical method of descriptive and quantitative analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences by area in the reactivity of human sera to dirofilarial antigens were not observed (p = 0.056). A high seroreactivity was demonstrated in people from the towns of northern Serbia (Pančevo = 27,1%; Novi Sad = 16,3%), as well as in people from Zaječar (eastern Serbia = 15,8%) and Vranje (southern Serbia = 15,1%). No differences were evidenced between people reactivity to polyproteins of the two dirofilarial species, nor differences related to the gender of examinees. Factor risks evidenced were: i) place of residence; ii) spending work time outdoors during the mosquito season; iii) spending time outdoors and nearby rivers, lakes, swamps or canals; unespectedly, iv) cat owning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings emerging from this investigation indicate that clinicians and public health authorities should pay greater attention to this zoonosis. Continuing education and training of physicians will greatly contribute to the knowledge of the actual impact of filarial worms on animal and public health, and allow for the planning of suitable measures to prevent the infections.
authors: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, 81, Bul, Dr, Zorana Djindjica, 18000 Nis, Serbia. otasevicsuzana@gmail.com.
authors: Suzana A
authors: SA
authors: Tasić-Otašević
authors: Simona V
authors: SV
authors: Gabrielli
authors: Aleksandar V
authors: AV
authors: Tasić
authors: Nataša L
authors: NL
authors: Miladinovićtasić
authors: Jovana T
authors: JT
authors: Kostić
authors: Aleksandra M
authors: AM
authors: Ignjatović
authors: Lidija D
authors: LD
authors: Popović Dragonjić
authors: Zoran G
authors: ZG
authors: Milošević
authors: Valentina S
authors: VS
authors: Arsić-Arsenijević
authors: Gabriella A
authors: GA
authors: Cancrini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000276:immunology; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000276:immunology*; D060348:Dirofilaria repens / Q000276:immunology*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055771:Serbia; D055815:Young Adult; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology
chemical_list: D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth