THE IMPACT OF SOCIO-BEHAVIORAL FACTORS ON THE SEROPREVALENCE OF SELECTED DISEASES

Over the past year there has been an increase in certain zoonoses in Europe. The emergence of zoonotic diseases is multifactorial complex, which is associated social, ecological, technological and microbial factors that act synergistically to transmit pathogens. Social factors include population mobility, transport, tourism, outdoor activities, reside in rural areas, eating habits, international trade and war risks. The aim was to assess the impact of factors on the incidence of these diseases. Methods: The study included 124 serum samples from blood donors from Eastern Slovakia. Specific IgG antibodies to B. B. sensu lato, F. tularensis and L. interrogans were detected using laboratory prepared imunoenzimatickach methods - ELPAGA and/or Western blot. Questionnaires were used to assess associations between risk factors and seroprevalence individual diseases. Results were evaluated as probability odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: 124 samples from healthy blood donors (77 men, 47 women) from Eastern Slovakia were collected in 2010. The representation was 66,1% (n = 78) of the urban population and 33,9 % (n = 40) inhabitants of villages. Estimated occupational exposure was reported in 23,8% (n = 24) of respondents. Regarding external activities were reported following activities: work in the garden 41,9 % (n = 52); tourism 25,8 % (n = 32); Protection 7,3% (n = 9); field work 9,7% (n = 12). Stay in the woods (occasional or frequent) was mentioned in 11,8 % (n = 14). Tick bite was 37,3 % (n = 44) persons. More than half (53,2 %, n = 66) had investigated contact with animals. The samples of healthy blood donors, we found 15 % seroprevalence incidence of antiBorrelia IgG antibodies and 4 % prevalence of IgG antibodies against F. tularensis using laboratory preparation immunoenzyme techniques. We observed also twice as likely seropositivity in women (OR = 2,04, CI = 0,76 to 5,47, p = 015) compared with men, also for persons rearing pets (OR = 2,13, CI = 0,75 to 6,01, p = 0,15). Slightly higher OR occurred in blood donors with city life, with occupational exposure in agriculture, with an exhibition of agricultural land and for tourists, while for other factors (age, contact with soil, gardening, hunting, stay in the forest) was OR below. In the context of tularemia we have found association of age, sex and residence with the appearance of antibodies. Conclusion: Of the risk factors affecting the transmission and incidence of the disease was identified in blood donors we tick bite a significant factor with regard to Lyme disease and agricultural activity including occupational exposure straw, hay, manure or soil for a significant factor for tularemia. We can eliminate the number and consequences of diseases in the long run by increasing awareness of the risks and prevention of diseases.