Seroprevalence of residents of the Kaliningrad region against Borreliella burgdorferi sensu lato

Abstract

Introduction . Lyme disease is one of the most significant natural-focal infections in the Russian Federation. The Kaliningrad region belongs to the regions with a high level of Lyme disease incidence, which is due to climatic and geographical features, the presence of vast forests, and high recreational load. Seroepidemiological studies are an important component of epidemiological surveillance and allow for obtaining more objective information about the prevalence of Lyme disease among the population. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence levels of the practically healthy population of the Kaliningrad region to Borreliella burgdorferi sensu lato. Materials and methods . 847 blood serum samples of donors were examined by ELISA for the presence of specific IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. Statistical processing was performed using the R program. Results . The overall seroprevalence rate was 4.13% [95% CI: 2.99–5.69]. There were significant variations in the rate across administrative territories: the highest rates were observed in Pionersky (8.99%), Svetlogorsky (6.74%), Chernyakhovsky (6.02%), and Bagrationovsky (5.71%) districts, while the lowest rates were observed in Zelenogradsky (0.76%) and Sovetsky (1.52%) districts. A statistically significant trend towards increasing seroprevalence with age was established (p=0.033): the lowest rates were found in children under 17 years of age (1.94%), and the highest rates were found in the 45–59 years of age group (6.45%) and in the 75+ years of age group (6.06%). No differences were found by gender (p=0.426). Conclusion . The data obtained indicate the active circulation of B. burgdorferi s. l. in the Kaliningrad region and the uneven distribution of epidemic risk. Priority territories and age groups at risk have been identified, which justifies the need for a differentiated approach to planning preventive measures.