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Lyme borreliosis in Dutch forestry workers
H Kuiper1, B M de Jongh, A P Nauta
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Infection
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Lyme borreliosis is an occupational disease in Dutch forestry workers, with significantly higher infection rates compared to controls. Early diagnosis and recognition are crucial to prevent complications in this high-risk group.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Forestry workers may have increased exposure risk due to their occupation.
- Understanding occupational risks is vital for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in Dutch forestry workers.
- To determine if Lyme borreliosis is an occupational disease in this population.
- To assess the clinical diagnosis rate of Lyme borreliosis among forestry workers.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blotting were used to detect B. burgdorferi antibodies.
- 127 Dutch forestry workers and 127 matched controls were enrolled.
- Clinical examinations for Lyme borreliosis were performed, blinded to laboratory results.
Main Results:
- Seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi antibodies was significantly higher in forestry workers (25/127) than controls (8/127), with an odds ratio of 3.7.
- Seven forestry workers (6%) met the adapted CDC criteria for Lyme borreliosis, with most cases previously undiagnosed.
- Reported symptoms included erythema migrans and arthritis.
Conclusions:
- Lyme borreliosis is an occupational disease among forestry workers in the Netherlands.
- The seroprevalence is three times higher in this group compared to matched controls.
- Increased awareness and early diagnosis are needed to prevent long-term complications in high-risk occupations.