1645. High Seroprevalence and Seroconversion Rate of Borrelia burgdorferi Infection Among Hispanic/Latino Immigrant Workers in Eastern Suffolk County, New York: A Longitudinal-Based Study

Abstract

Background. Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, continues to be the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States (US) affecting the public health and the economy. Suffolk County, New York (NY) has one of the highest incidences in NY State affecting primarily the Hispanic/Latino population working in gardening, landscaping, and agriculture (field workers). However, there is a paucity of research among this population. Thus, the aim of this longitudinal study was to assess the current seroprevalence and seroconversion of the Borrelia burgdorferi infection and its risk factors such as sociodemographic, symptoms, tick encounter, and use of the Fatigue Severity Scale, associated with seropositivity in the Hispanic/Latino immigrant worker population of Eastern Suffolk County. Methods. Recruitment of participants was based on several towns of this County. Following signed informed consent, participants completed a questionnaire and had their blood drawn. Samples were tested using the conventional 2-tiered serological testing for Borreliosis. Results. Between June 2016 and October 2018, 660 (83.5%) completed Visit 1; 58.8% of them completed elementary school or less, and 56.7% reported earning = or