Volume 5

Number 2 July 2021

Study on Sero-prevalence of IgG Antibody of Lyme Disease in Asymptomatic Population at Risk

DOI: https://doi.org/10.70357/jdamc.2021.v0502.02

Fatema K1 , Chowdhury OA2 , Showkath MS3 , Chowdury PA4 , Afrin M5

Abstract

Background: Borrelia burgdorferi infection is the most frequent tick-transmitted disease worldwide.Objective: The aim was to assess the sero-prevalence of B. burgdorferi infection among forestry workers and farmers inSylhet, the north-east region of Bangladesh.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study based on laboratory findings of sero-prevalance survey. Blood samplesfrom 44 forestry workers and farmers were obtained to determine the presence of antibodies to B. burgdorferi. The sera weretested by ELISA method. Demographic data regarding residence, age, gender, profession, tick bite history and contact with2animals were collected by questionnaire. All results were evaluated statistically using the χ test and Z test.

Results: Sero-prevalence rate was 9.09% for IgG Antibody of B. burgdorferi. Sero-prevalence rate of IgG antibody of B.burgdorferi in asymptomatic populations are statistically significant (p<0.05) in chi-square test. Seropositivity rates wererelated to age, gender, and common risk factors for the disease. Seropositivity of B. burgdorferi suggests infections by theorganisms and presence of Lyme disease in our country. Lyme disease may cause severe illness which can be cured byantibiotic treatment. Its high prevalence in this study warrants greater awareness among clinicians so that they can suspect thedisease on clinical grounds and either send them for diagnostic evaluation or initiate empirical treatment.

Conclusion: A large scale multilevel study is needed to get a clear picture of sero-positivity of Borrelia burgdorferi infection inevery region of Bangladesh. Additional public health measures to prevent tick exposure should be explored in this high riskpopulation, and further studies are needed to confirm and extend the sero-prevalence findings.

Keywords: Borrelia burgdorferi, Sero-prevalence, ELISA


  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology

    Sylhet Women s Medical College, Sylhet

  2. Visiting Professor, Department of Microbiology & Ex-Principal

    Park View Medical College Sylhet

  3. Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology

    Diabetic Association Medical College, Faridpur

  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology and , Venereology

    Sylhet Women s Medical College, Sylhet

  5. Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology

    Diabetic Association Medical College, Faridpur

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Volume 5, Number 2 July 2021
Page: 5-9