Naslov
Prevalence of antibodies to spotted fever group rickettsiae in the region of Split (southern Croatia)

Autori
Punda-Polić, Volga ; Klišmanić, Zorana ; Čapkun, Vesna

Izvornik
European Journal of Epidemiology (0393-2990) 18 (2003); 451-455

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Seroepidemiology; southern Croatia; spotted fever group rickettsia

Sažetak
The prevalence of IgG antibodies to spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFG) was investigated by the indirect immunofluorescence assay in a sample of 1207 healthy residents of the central part of southern Croatia (eastern coast of Adriatic Sea). Sera obtained from subjects living in three different places of residency (urban, suburban and rural environs of the region) were tested. Overall 528 (43.7%) persons had significant antibody titers (1:40 or higher), with a significantly higher prevalence in suburban and rural areas. The results show that inhabitants in the area are clearly being exposed to SFG rickettsiae.Risk factors significantly associated with seropositivity to SFG rickettsiae were: living in suburban or rural settlements (odds ratio [OR]= 1.81 ; 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.35-2.4), contact with animals (OR= 1.52 ; 95% CI =1.15-1.99), and increase of age (OR= 1.18 ; 95% CI =1.09-1.26).

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Veterinarska medicina

POVEZANOST RADA