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

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 <$20,000 annually, 344 were field workers, from which, 82.3% and 55.2% were male and from Guatemala, respectively. The overall seroprevalence was 7.2% (48/660) but was significantly higher among gardener/Landscapers (11.5%) having an adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.02 with a CI = 1.02–4.03. Another significant risk factor was experiencing fevers after a tick-bite (Adjusted OR: 2.08, CI:1.42–5.63). 2.7% (8/292) seroconverted and were gardener/landscaper. CONCLUSION: Several barriers to healthcare access, health literacy, and prevention were identified. Gardening/landscaping has an occupational risk in this population. Efforts to educate about tick-borne infections and preventive methods such as vaccinations are warranted for this population. [Image: see text] [Image: see text] [Image: see text] [Image: see text] DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.