Human granulocytic anaplasmosis in northeastern Italy.

Abstract

Sporadic cases of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) have been reported in areas with a high prevalence of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Europe. We aimed at estimating the sero-prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and other TBDs in northeastern Italy in outpatients with a history of recent tick bite or suspected TBD. In the 1-year study, 79 patients were enrolled and 30 (38%) received a diagnosis of TBD: 24 (30%) with Lyme disease and 5 (6%) with HGE. Our findings indicate the presence of HGA in northeastern Italy; so, since co-infection with Lyme disease appeared to be frequent, physicians assessing patients after a tick bite should consider HGA in the diagnosis.

• Authors: Anna Beltrame, Maurizio Ruscio, Alessandra Arzese, Giada Rorato, Camilla Negri, Angela Londero, Massimo Crapis, Luigia Scudeller, Pierluigi Viale
• Journal: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Ann N Y Acad Sci) Vol. 1078 Pg. 106-9 (Oct 2006) ISSN: 0077-8923 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17114688 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Anaplasmosis (epidemiology, transmission)
• Animals
• Humans
• Insect Bites and Stings (microbiology)
• Italy (epidemiology)
• Prevalence
• Seroepidemiologic Studies
• Tick-Borne Diseases (epidemiology)
• Ticks