The paper presents the results of seroepidemiologic studies concerning tickborne
encephalitis (TBE) in 1,583 persons (1,261 forestry workers and 233 farmers)
from the Lublin region (eastern Poland) occupationally exposed to ticks and in 130
healthy blood donors (a control group). The mean percentage of seropositive reactions
in forestry workers amounted to 19.8% and in farmers 32.0%. Based on 5-year research
(1994-1998) conducted in 5 districts of the Lublin region, the existence of endemic foci
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and Parczew, where the percentage of seropositive reactions in forestry workers
exceeded 50%. Statistical analysis showed that the frequency of seropositive reactions
in forestry workers and farmers was significantly greater compared to control group
(p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively). It indicates that these groups are occupationally
exposed to TBE virus. In the years 1994-98, a total of nine clinical cases of TBE (acute
neuroinfection) in forestry workers and fourteen clinical cases in farmers were
confirmed serologically. The effectiveness of specific immunization against TBE was
proved on the basis of 100% seroconversion in 56 earlier seronegative forestry workers.
The obtained results proved that forestry workers and farmers in Poland are under
increased risk of infection with TBE virus