Trench fever is a bartonellosis disease with a transmissible mechanism transmitted via specific vector – the human body louse (Pediculus humanus), manifested by a sudden onset, relapsing fever, severe pain in the calf muscles, and abundant maculopapular rash.
Aim. To determine the infestation of the population as a predictor of the occurrence of epidemic complications caused by trench fever, and to assess the impact of social factors resulting from the Russo-Ukrainian war on population prevalence rates.
Materials and Methods. A comprehensive epidemiological method was employed, involving the analysis of official statistics data on pediculosis, the dynamics and geographical distribution characteristics for years 2021-2023, and the processing of primary literature sources regarding trench fever.
Results. Trench fever remains a relevant endemic transmissible disease in Ukraine. The detection of seropositive individuals in all age groups indicates a hidden epidemic process of this disease, as well as the inadequacy of the epidemiological surveillance system in detecting and recording cases. The increase in the prevalence of pediculosis is the highest in administrative areas with the largest population density of internally displaced persons.
Discussion. The intensity of the epidemic process of trench fever correlates with socio-economic disruptions and wars; it is accompanied by worsening of living conditions and impoverishment of the population. The adaptation of the pathogen to spread by body lice has led to changes in the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the disease.
Conclusions. Ukraine is endemic of trench fever. During war, active epidemiological surveillance should be conducted to promptly identify cases, with control of pediculosis infestation in the general population.
Key words: trench fever, pediculosis, clinical and epidemiological characteristics, war.
Abbreviations:ICD – International classification of diseases; DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid; UN – United Nations Organization; GR – growth rate; PR – prevalence rate; HIV – human immunodeficiency virus; USA – United States of America.