[Tick-borne diseases exposure of forestry workers and preventive methods usage]

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Infectious disease epidemiology
• Medical entomology

Context:

• Forestry workers face significant occupational exposure to ticks and tick-borne diseases.
• Previous studies highlight the risks, but specific data on seroprevalence and prevention adherence in this demographic are limited.

Purpose:

• To assess the seroprevalence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in forestry workers.
• To evaluate the usage of tick-bite preventive methods and TBE vaccination rates within this occupational group.

Summary:

• A serological study of 51 forestry workers revealed anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in 27.5% and anti-TBE antibodies in 11.8%.
• Despite a history of multiple tick bites, less than 30% utilized preventive measures like protective clothing or repellents.
• Only 11 workers had received TBE vaccination, indicating low uptake.

Impact:

• The findings underscore a critical gap in protective behaviors and interventions for forestry workers.
• Highlights the urgent need for targeted educational programs and enhanced prophylactic strategies to mitigate occupational risks.
• Suggests the development of standardized protocols for monitoring the efficacy of prevention methods in this high-risk sector.