Human Exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Two Cities of Northwestern Morocco.
Authors: Elhamiani Khatat Sarah, Sahibi Hamid, Hing Mony, Alaoui Moustain Ismail, El Amri Hamid, Benajiba Mohammed, Kachani Malika, Duchateau Luc, Daminet Sylvie
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Anaplasma phagocytophilum Exposure in Northwestern Morocco Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans and animals, remains poorly characterised across North Africa despite recognised emergence in Europe, Asia and North America. Researchers tested serum samples from 261 individuals across two Moroccan cities—261 comprising dog handlers (occupationally high-risk) and blood donors (community baseline)—using indirect immunofluorescence to detect IgG antibodies against A. phagocytophilum at two dilution thresholds. Seroprevalence proved substantial and remarkably similar between groups (37–27% in dog handlers and 36–22% in blood donors, depending on dilution), suggesting widespread environmental exposure rather than occupational clustering; notably, conventional risk factors including tick exposure history, outdoor activities, and contact with dogs, cats, ruminants and equines failed to demonstrate statistical significance. These findings establish that A. phagocytophilum circulates significantly within Moroccan populations and warrant consideration by equine professionals managing tick-borne disease risk in or importing horses from the region, whilst highlighting the need for serological screening protocols and vector control strategies across North African settings where epidemiological data have historically lagged behind established endemic areas.
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Practical Takeaways
- •A. phagocytophilum exposure is widespread in Morocco affecting both occupational handlers and the general population, suggesting endemic circulation
- •Contact with dogs and other domestic animals was not a significant risk factor, indicating tick exposure from environmental sources may be more important than animal contact
- •Equine professionals in endemic areas should be aware of tick-borne zoonotic risk despite no specific equine-human transmission pathway being identified in this study
Key Findings
- •Seropositivity to A. phagocytophilum reached 37% in dog handlers and 36% in blood donors at one dilution, indicating common exposure in Morocco
- •No statistically significant difference in prevalence between dog handlers and blood donors groups despite dog handlers being considered higher-risk
- •Risk factors including gender, age, outdoor activities, tick exposure history, and contact with domestic animals (dogs, cats, ruminants, horses) showed no significant association with seropositivity