[Tick-borne diseases exposure of forestry workers and preventive methods usage].

Forestry workers are a group of a high risk of occupational exposure to tick-borne diseases. The group of 51 healthy persons with a history of more than 3 years forestry working was tested for antibodies against B. burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and reviewed on tick-bites preventive methods usage. Two-steps serological examination revealed the anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies in 14 (27.5%) persons. Anti-TBE antibodies were present in 6 (11.8%) persons. Despite of multiple tick bites in anamnesis, methods of ticks bites prevention (clothes, repellents) were used by less than 30% of workers. Similarly, anti-TBE vaccination was conducted only in 11 persons. Concluding, the elaboration of educational, prophylactic and efficacy monitoring standards for this occupational group is needed.