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Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the presence of Lyme borreliosis transmitted by ticks in Hatay, where cases of tick bites recently increased.
Methods: Blood samples collected from 65 persons at least 6 weeks after their tick bite incident who were living in Hatay (Antakya) city and surrounding districts were tested to determine the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA between April and October, the active tick period. As a control group, 105 persons without a tick bite history were tested as well.
Results: Of 65 persons with a history of tick bite, 45 (69.2%) were IgM-positive and 5 (7.7%) were IgM-negative, while only 1 (0.95%) individual was IgM-positive among people without a tick bite history. In addition, 15 (23.1%) people with a history of tick bite, and 70 (66.7%) control individuals were identified in the grey zone.
Conclusions: Lyme disease should be taken into consideration for patients who are at risk in Hatay and its surroundings when they apply to health facilities. Each tick bite case should be followed up in order to determine if they develop acute or chronic Lyme disease. Detailed investigations should be performed to determine the prevalence and incidence of Lyme disease in the whole country, including our region.