Seroprevalence of arthropod-borne bacterial infections in homeless individuals in Hamburg in 2020
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Seroprevalence of arthropod-borne bacterial infections in homeless individuals in Hamburg in 2020. / Heinrich, Fabian; Rauch, Jessica; Bertram, Franziska; Kempf, Volkhard A J; Besier, Silke; Kuta, Piotr; Renné, Thomas; Ondruschka, Benjamin; Püschel, Klaus; Tappe, Dennis.
In: INFECTION, Vol. 51, No. 6, 12.2023, p. 1819-1822.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › Short publication › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Seroprevalence of arthropod-borne bacterial infections in homeless individuals in Hamburg in 2020
AU - Heinrich, Fabian
AU - Rauch, Jessica
AU - Bertram, Franziska
AU - Kempf, Volkhard A J
AU - Besier, Silke
AU - Kuta, Piotr
AU - Renné, Thomas
AU - Ondruschka, Benjamin
AU - Püschel, Klaus
AU - Tappe, Dennis
N1 - Brief Report
PY - 2023/12
Y1 - 2023/12
N2 - PURPOSE: The number of homeless people in Germany is steadily increasing. Due to their often precarious living conditions, this specific population may be increasingly exposed to ectoparasites that can transmit various pathogens. To assess the prevalence and thus the risk of such infections, we analyzed the seropositivity of rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia and bartonellosis in homeless individuals.METHODS: A total of 147 homeless adults from nine shelters in Hamburg, Germany, were included. The individuals underwent questionnaire-based interviewing, physical examination, and venous blood was drawn between May and June 2020. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies against rickettsiae (Rickettsia typhi and R. conorii), Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and bartonellae.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A very low seroprevalence of R. typhi and F. tularensis infection was found (0-1%), while antibodies against R. conorii and C. burnetii were more common (7% each), followed by a relatively high seroprevalence of 14% for bartonellosis. Q fever seroprevalence was associated with the country of origin, whereas bartonellosis seroprevalence was associated with the duration of homelessness. Preventive measures targeting ectoparasites, especially body lice, should be put in place continuously.
AB - PURPOSE: The number of homeless people in Germany is steadily increasing. Due to their often precarious living conditions, this specific population may be increasingly exposed to ectoparasites that can transmit various pathogens. To assess the prevalence and thus the risk of such infections, we analyzed the seropositivity of rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia and bartonellosis in homeless individuals.METHODS: A total of 147 homeless adults from nine shelters in Hamburg, Germany, were included. The individuals underwent questionnaire-based interviewing, physical examination, and venous blood was drawn between May and June 2020. Blood samples were analyzed for antibodies against rickettsiae (Rickettsia typhi and R. conorii), Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and bartonellae.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A very low seroprevalence of R. typhi and F. tularensis infection was found (0-1%), while antibodies against R. conorii and C. burnetii were more common (7% each), followed by a relatively high seroprevalence of 14% for bartonellosis. Q fever seroprevalence was associated with the country of origin, whereas bartonellosis seroprevalence was associated with the duration of homelessness. Preventive measures targeting ectoparasites, especially body lice, should be put in place continuously.
U2 - 10.1007/s15010-023-02059-y
DO - 10.1007/s15010-023-02059-y
M3 - Short publication
C2 - 37289422
VL - 51
SP - 1819
EP - 1822
JO - INFECTION
JF - INFECTION
SN - 0300-8126
IS - 6
ER -
