To determine the occupational significance of tick-borne zoonoses
we sought serological
evidence of Lyme borreliosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) and human
granulocytic
ehrlichiosis (HGE) in a representative sample of farmworkers. Although
around 20% reported
ticks on their domestic and companion animals, few (<2% per year) reported
being bitten by
ticks. Seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis (0·2%), HME (0·2%)
and HGE (1·5%) was low.
Those seropositive for HGE were no more likely to report tick bites nor
more likely to report
ticks on their animals. This study provides evidence that farmworkers in
England are exposed
to tick-borne zoonoses but that they are uncommon. Since the severity of
these diseases is
linked to delays in diagnosis and treatment, clinicians should be aware
of these diagnoses in
patients from rural communities, with or without a self-reported history
of tick bite.