Investigation of Bartonella hanselae Seroprevalence in the Northern Countryside of Denizli Province

Aim: Bartonella species are zoonotic bacteria that are transmitted through gram negative coccobacillus/bacillus. The importance of the Bartonella species has increased with there cent epidemiological studies on human sand animals. The proportions differ according to the epidemiological studies conducted in different risk groups. The B.henselae ranges between 5.5% and 57.3% in seroprevalence studies conducted in differen tparts of the world. It is important to expand the seroprevalence studies of bartonellosis at Türkiye. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of in working adults at risk by occupational groups in northern rural area of Denizli. Material and Method: Antibodies against B.henselae ATCC 49882 (Houston-1) strain were detected using immunofluorescent antibody technique in serum samples collected from 477 healthy adult volunteers working in risky occupational groups in then norther countryside of Denizli. Serum samples were studied in laboratory of Medical Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University. Results: The prevalence of B.henselae seropositive was found to be 44.0%. Antibodiesof B.henselae were found in 26.8% volunteers at 1/64, in 13.8% at 1/128, in 2.7% at 1/256, in 0.6% at 1/512 dilutions. The analysis of the data revealed that statistical difference sexist for B.henselae according to tick, exposure to sandfly, live in wetlands, agriculture, and age groups (p<0.005). Conclusion: This study makes an important contribution in determining the seroprevalence of bartonellosis relevant to Türkiye. According to the screening of seroprevalence by risk occupational groups in this study, it is concluded that risk groups with different regional and geographical features should be preferred for bartonellosis seroprevalence examinations.