title: Prevalence of rickettsioses in Poland in 2006-2012.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tick-borne diseases, such as rickettsioses, anaplasmosis, Lyme boreliosis and bartonellosis are often difficult to correctly diagnose. All these disease are present in Poland.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to estimate a prevalence of Rickettsia spp. infections in humans in Poland in 2006 to 2012 based on the results made in the Laboratory of Rickettsiae, Chlamydiae and Spirochetes, NIPH-NIH in Warsaw.
  
  
  METHODS
  The levels of Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum IgM and IgG antibodies were determined by indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). From 2006 to 2012, serum samples derived from 180 humans suspected for rickettsioses, including 84 patients suspected for the infections with typhus and spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, and 96 patients suspected for anaplasmosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Specific serum antibodies to the SFG rickettsiae have been detected in 5 persons (2.7%). Granulocytic anaplasmosis has been recognized in 9 patients (4.9%). While the reporting and registration of rickettsioses are obligatory in Poland less than 50% of detected cases are reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Presented date indicate that in Poland rickettsioses are often unrecognized resulting in their underestimation. If research for rickettsiosis are made immediately after infection, antibodies will not be detect.
authors.forename: Ilona
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Maczka
authors.forename: Urszula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Roguska
authors.forename: Stanisława
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tylewska-Wierzbanowska
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012288:Rickettsiaceae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies