Anaplasmosis in Poland - analysis of 120 patients

Abstract

The aim of our study was to clarify the clinical picture of anaplasmosis through analysis of the symptoms and clinical signs presented by infected patients in a cohort of tick-bitten individuals. The study included 1375 patients with suspicion of tick-borne disease. Finally, 120 patients (8.7%) were diagnosed with anaplasmosis (HGA). Blood samples were examined by PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., and Bartonella spp.. Based on analysis of 120 patients with HGA we concluded that anaplasmosis is not as rare in Europe, as it is thought to be and often appears as a co-infection with other tick-borne pathogens. The co-infection rate of patients with A. phagocytophilum infection in tick endemic areas is high. Co-infection of A. phagocytophilum with B. burgdorferi s.l. or tick-borne encephalitis virus may influence symptom frequency. PCR together with medical history, clinical picture and basic laboratory tests is a sufficient method for the diagnosis of anaplasmosis. Doxycycline is an effective drug leading to complete recovery.

Keywords: A. phagocytophilum; Anaplasmosis; PCR; Poland; Serology.