Prevalence of rickettsioses in Poland in 2006-2012.

INTRODUCTION: Tick-borne diseases, such as rickettsioses, anaplasmosis, Lyme boreliosis and bartonellosis are often difficult to correctly diagnose. All these disease are present in Poland. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to estimate a prevalence of Rickettsia spp. infections in humans in Poland in 2006 to 2012 based on the results made in the Laboratory of Rickettsiae, Chlamydiae and Spirochetes, NIPH-NIH in Warsaw. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The levels of Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum IgM and IgG antibodies were determined by indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). From 2006 to 2012, serum samples derived from 180 humans suspected for rickettsioses, including 84 patients suspected for the infections with typhus and spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae, and 96 patients suspected for anaplasmosis. RESULTS: Specific serum antibodies to the SFG rickettsiae have been detected in 5 persons (2.7%). Granulocytic anaplasmosis has been recognized in 9 patients (4.9%). While the reporting and registration of rickettsioses are obligatory in Poland less than 50% of detected cases are reported. CONCLUSIONS: Presented date indicate that in Poland rickettsioses are often unrecognized resulting in their underestimation. If research for rickettsiosis are made immediately after infection, antibodies will not be detect.

Case report of African tick-bite fever from Poland.

A confirmed case of rickettsiosis acquired in South Africa and recognized in Poland was described. The patient fulfilled clinical criteria highly suggestive of African tick bite fever, such as eschars, regional lymphadenitis, cutaneous rash within 10 days after his return from sub-Saharan Africa. Infection with Rickettsia africae was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.

Tick-borne infections as a cause of heart transplantation.

Many bacterial species can be a cause of various heart diseases, such as: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella spp. The aim of the present studies was to establish if any tick-borne infections can contribute to serious heart disorders resulting in the need for heart transplantation. Myocardium, aortic and mitral valve samples from hearts removed from patients undergoing heart transplantation were tested. The presence of Bartonella spp., Borrelia afzeli and C. burnetii bacteria in malfunctioning human hearts has been shown. DNA of Bartonella spp., B. burgdorferi and C. burnetii were detected in various parts of tested hearts. DNA of B. afzelii and Bartonella spp. were found in the aortic valves. DNA of C. burnetii was detected in the myocardium. Mixed infections with Bartonella spp. and C. burnetii were also observed. Obtained results indicate that diagnosis of Bartonella spp., B. burgdorferi C. burnetii and Rickettsia spp. infections should be considered in cases of infectious endocarditis with negative blood cultures.

[Case of TIBOLA/DEBONEL (tick - borne lymphadenopathy/Dermacentor spp. - borne necrosis - erythema - lymphadenopathy) in Poland]. / Przypadek TIBOLA/DEBONEL (tick - borne lymphadenopathy/Dermacentor spp. - borne necrosis - erythema - lymphadenopathy) w Polsce.

Rickettsia slovaca was recognized as the causative agent of the disease named tick - borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA) or Dermacentor spp.- borne necrosis - erythema lymphadenopathy (DEBONEL). Generally, this ricketsiosis is considered a mild disease but the disease is considered a mild rickettsiosis, but severe symptoms can appeare, especially in untreated patients. Described infection is the first case of TIBOLA/DEBONEL found in Poland. The patient had typical symptoms, such as enlarged painful cervical lymph nodes and maculo - papular rash. Milium on the scalp behind the ear concha, was a probably scar formation associated with typical eschar. The diagnosis was confirmed by detection of 128 titer in MIF tests with R. rickettsii and R. slovaca antigens and four-fold decrease after treatment.

[Ticks infected with bacteria pathogenic to humans in municipal parks in Warsaw]. / Kleszcze zakazone bakteriami chorobotwórczymi dla czlowieka na terenach parków miejskich warszawy.

The aim of the study was to detect bacteria pathogenic to humans, such as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia spp, and Coxiella burnetii in ticks found in municipal parks in Warsaw, including The Royal Lazienki Park, Mokotów Fields, Józef Sowinski Park, Ujazdów Park and Fort Bema Park. To detect microorganisms PCR technique was used. It was shown that 6.1% of the ticks in Warsaw's parks are infected with B. burgdorferi sensu lato, and 2.9% with Rickettsia spp. Analysis of sequencing results revealed in examined ticks the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and R. helvetica.