In order to assess the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Romania and to define associated risk factors, a cross-sectional, observational study was performed in 13 districts during 1999. Sera from healthy blood donors (1,598) and from forestry workers (1,048) were tested. A two-step testing strategy was used in which sera were tested for anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies by a commercially available passive hemagglutination assays (PHA). All PHA positive sera were then evaluated by Western blot IgG. Demographic data regarding age, sex, profession, work place/residence, duration of employment (forestry workers), animals in the environment, and tick bites history were collected using a questionnaire. Data obtained from serological study were matched with that obtained from the questionnaire. The seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi in blood donors was of 4.3% (range 1.4-8.7%) and 9.3% (range 2.8-31.7%) in forestry workers. Seroprevalence was higher in forestry workers with a tick bite history (10.7 vs. 4.3%, p < 0.05). The highest seroprevalence in blood donors (8.7%) was noted in Maramures, a northern district of the country, whereas in forestry workers the highest seroprevalence (31.7%) was observed in a western district (Arad), where a previous study in entomology has demonstrated the highest density of Ixodes ricinus ticks in Romania.
Alcohol consumption is the third major risk factor for the "ill health" in EU, after tobacco and blood pressure, accounting of 7.2 % of the total burden of diseases (12% in males and 2% in females). The aim of this study is to underline the effects of alcohol drinking on the Romanians' health, in order to mobilize the national stakeholders for developing a long-term cross-sectoral strategy on alcohol control. A descriptive approach was done based on regular data from national and international public databases. The effect of alcohol drinking on health status was evaluated through alcohol consumption (no. of pure alcohol liters per capita and per year and prevalence of alcohol drinkers) and alcohol attributable mortality measured as number of deaths and as number of potential years of life lost. Alcohol consumption has an important impact on the health status of the Romanian population in terms of number of deaths and of years of life lost, accounting around 20000 deaths in 2002 and 12 years of life lost per each death. Synergic measures are required to control this problem, in line with the EU strategy, but taking into consideration the national context.
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