Seroprevalence of human Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Bursa Province, Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in rural areas of Bursa Province, where vector ticks and blood-sucking flies are commonly found. In total, 150 blood samples were collected from people living in four different locations where vector ticks are common, and 45 blood samples were collected from people living in non-tick-infested areas. Giemsa-stained blood smears were prepared from the blood samples and examined by light microscopy. The blood samples were also serologically examined using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). One sample (0.7%) from a patient with a tick bite history was positive, as determined by the IFAT; however, the same sample was negative when its Giemsa-stained smear was examined. The co-seroprevalence of A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi was not observed.