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Hennechart-Collette C, Mathews-Martin L, Fourniol L, Fraisse A, Martin-Latil S, Bournez L, Gonzalez G, Perelle S. Development of a cell culture-based method for detecting infectious tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in milk products. Food Microbiol 2024; 124:104619. [PMID: 39244371 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis outbreaks have been reported in Europe after consumption of raw milk products from infected animals. While molecular methods are commonly used in viral foodborne outbreak investigations due to their sensitivity, specificity and rapidity, there are very few methods to detect infectious tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in milk products for routine use/analyses. To address this gap, we developed a cell culture-based method to detect infectious TBEV in artificially contaminated raw goat milk and raw goat cheese, and evaluated the sensitivity of TBEV infectivity assays. Raw goat milk samples were spiked with TBEV to achieve inoculation levels ranging from 106 to 100 TCID50/mL, and Faisselle and Tomme cheese samples were spiked so their TBEV concentrations ranged from 9.28 × 105 to 9.28 × 101 TCID50 per 2.5g. To detect infectious TBEV, Vero cells were infected by raw goat milk. For cheese samples, after homogenisation and membrane filtration, Vero cells were infected with samples adsorbed on the filter (method A) or with samples eluted from the filter (method B). After 5 days, cytopathic effects (CPEs) were observed and TBEV replication in Vero cells was confirmed by an increase in the number of genome copies/mL that were detected in cell supernatant. Infected Vero cells exhibited CPEs for both milk and cheese samples. Infectious TBEV was detected to 103 TCID50/mL in raw milk samples and to 9.28 × 101 TCID50 from Faisselle samples using both methods A and B. For Tomme samples, method A was able to detect TBEV to 9.28 × 102 TCID50/2.5g and method B to 9.28 × 103 TCID50/2.5g. The number of positive samples detected was slightly higher with method A than with method B. To conclude, this qualitative cell culture-based method can detect infectious TBEV artificially inoculated into raw milk and cheese; it should be further evaluated during foodborne outbreak investigations to detect infectious TBEV from naturally contaminated milk and cheese.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laure Mathews-Martin
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France; VetAgro Sup, ENSV-FVI, F-69280, Marcy-L'Étoile, France
| | - Lisa Fourniol
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Audrey Fraisse
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sandra Martin-Latil
- ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, Virology Joint Research Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laure Bournez
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, F-54220, Malzéville, France
| | - Gaëlle Gonzalez
- ANSES, INRAE, ENVA, Virology Joint Research Unit, Animal Health Laboratory, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sylvie Perelle
- Université Paris-Est, ANSES, Laboratory for Food Safety, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Sidorenko M, Radzijevskaja J, Mickevičius S, Bratchikov M, Mardosaitė-Busaitienė D, Sakalauskas P, Paulauskas A. Phylogenetic characterisation of tick-borne encephalitis virus from Lithuania. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296472. [PMID: 38324618 PMCID: PMC10849421 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The Baltic states are the region in Europe where tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is most endemic. The highest notification rate of TBE cases is reported in Lithuania, where the incidence of TBE has significantly increased since 1992. A recent study reported 0.4% prevalence of TBE virus (TBEV) in the two most common tick species distributed in Lithuania, Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, with the existence of endemic foci confirmed in seven out of Lithuania's ten counties. However, until now, no comprehensive data on molecular characterisation and phylogenetic analysis have been available for the circulating TBEV strains. The aim of this study was to analyse TBEV strains derived from I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks collected from Lithuania and provide a genotypic characterisation of viruses based on sequence analysis of partial E protein and NS3 genes. The 54 nucleotide sequences obtained were compared with 81 TBEV strains selected from the NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial E and NS3 gene sequences derived from 34 Lithuanian TBEV isolates revealed that these were specific to Lithuania, and all belonged to the European subtype, with a maximum identity to the Neudoerfl reference strain (GenBank accession no. U27495) of 98.7% and 97.4%, respectively. The TBEV strains showed significant regional genetic diversity. The detected TBEV genotypes were not specific to the tick species. However, genetic differences were observed between strains from different locations, while strains from the same location showed a high similarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sidorenko
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Saulius Mickevičius
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Maksim Bratchikov
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Povilas Sakalauskas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Jung H, Choi CH, Lee M, Kim SY, Aknazarov B, Nyrgaziev R, Atabekova N, Jetigenov E, Chung YS, Lee HI. Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus from Ticks Collected from Cattle in Kyrgyzstan, 2023. Viruses 2024; 16:107. [PMID: 38257807 PMCID: PMC10821214 DOI: 10.3390/v16010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In Kyrgyzstan, the livestock farming trade and nomadic lifestyle enable tick-borne diseases to be imported from neighboring countries, but there are few relevant studies. In this study, we collected 40 ticks from cattle in Kyrgyzstan. Molecular marker analysis identified the ticks as Ixodes persulcatus (97.5%; n = 39) and Haemaphysalis punctata (2.5%; n = 1). Real-time PCR screening revealed two ticks to be positive for TBEV, but only one tick was amplified using nested PCR targeting the TBEV envelope (E) and non-structure 5 (NS5) gene. The obtained sequences belonged to the TBEV Siberian subtype and phylogenetic tree analysis results confirmed that the virus was related to the Bosnia strain. We also performed next-generation sequencing, which confirmed the TBEV Siberian subtype. Continuous research and surveillance of TBEV in Kyrgyzstan are required to provide further information on tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneul Jung
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Chi-Hwan Choi
- Division of High-Risk Pathogens, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (C.-H.C.); (M.L.); (Y.-S.C.)
| | - Minji Lee
- Division of High-Risk Pathogens, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (C.-H.C.); (M.L.); (Y.-S.C.)
| | - Seong-Yoon Kim
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (S.-Y.K.)
| | - Bekbolsun Aknazarov
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (R.N.); (N.A.); (E.J.)
| | - Rysbek Nyrgaziev
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (R.N.); (N.A.); (E.J.)
| | - Nurzina Atabekova
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (R.N.); (N.A.); (E.J.)
| | - Elmurat Jetigenov
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan; (B.A.); (R.N.); (N.A.); (E.J.)
| | - Yoon-Seok Chung
- Division of High-Risk Pathogens, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (C.-H.C.); (M.L.); (Y.-S.C.)
| | - Hee-Il Lee
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (S.-Y.K.)
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4
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Ni XB, Pei Y, Ye YT, Shum MHH, Cui XM, Wu YQ, Pierce MP, Zhao L, Wang GP, Wei JT, Fan JL, Wang Q, Smith DK, Sun Y, Du LF, Zhang J, Jiang JF, He PJ, Chen X, Wei H, Zhao NQ, Cao WC, Lam TTY, Jia N. Ecoclimate drivers shape virome diversity in a globally invasive tick species. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae087. [PMID: 38747389 PMCID: PMC11187987 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Spillovers of viruses from animals to humans occur more frequently under warmer conditions, particularly arboviruses. The invasive tick species Haemaphysalis longicornis, the Asian longhorned tick, poses a significant public health threat due to its global expansion and its potential to carry a wide range of pathogens. We analyzed meta-transcriptomic data from 3595 adult H. longicornis ticks collected between 2016 and 2019 in 22 provinces across China encompassing diverse ecological conditions. Generalized additive modeling revealed that climate factors exerted a stronger influence on the virome of H. longicornis than other ecological factors, such as ecotypes, distance to coastline, animal host, tick gender, and antiviral immunity. To understand how climate changes drive the tick virome, we performed a mechanistic investigation using causality inference with emphasis on the significance of this process for public health. Our findings demonstrated that higher temperatures and lower relative humidity/precipitation contribute to variations in animal host diversity, leading to increased diversity of the tick virome, particularly the evenness of vertebrate-associated viruses. These findings may explain the evolution of tick-borne viruses into generalists across multiple hosts, thereby increasing the probability of spillover events involving tick-borne pathogens. Deep learning projections have indicated that the diversity of the H. longicornis virome is expected to increase in 81.9% of regions under the SSP8.5 scenario from 2019 to 2030. Extension of surveillance should be implemented to avert the spread of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Bing Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-Tao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Marcus Ho-Hin Shum
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Qian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mac P Pierce
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gong-Pei Wang
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Immunology & Infection Limited, 17W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Te Wei
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100083, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Li Fan
- Center for Sustainable Development and Energy Policy Research (SDEP), School of Energy and Mining Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
| | - David K Smith
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Feng Du
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Fu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pei-Jun He
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Wei
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning-Qi Zhao
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wu-Chun Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of EcoHealth, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- The representative of Tick Genome and Microbiome Consortium (TIGMIC)
| | - Tommy Tsan-Yuk Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Centre of Influenza Research, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited, 19W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Immunology & Infection Limited, 17W Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong-Hongkong Joint Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Joint Institute of Virology (Shantou University/The University of Hong Kong), Shantou 515063, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
- EKIH (Gewuzhikang) Pathogen Research Institute, Futian District, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, People’s Republic of China
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Hills SL, Poehling KA, Chen WH, Staples JE. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2023. MMWR Recomm Rep 2023; 72:1-29. [PMID: 37943707 PMCID: PMC10651317 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7205a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is focally endemic in parts of Europe and Asia. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans by the bites of infected Ixodes species ticks but can also be acquired less frequently by alimentary transmission. Other rare modes of transmission include through breastfeeding, blood transfusion, solid organ transplantation, and slaughtering of viremic animals. TBE virus can cause acute neurologic disease, which usually results in hospitalization, often permanent neurologic or cognitive sequelae, and sometimes death. TBE virus infection is a risk for certain travelers and for laboratory workers who work with the virus. In August 2021, the Food and Drug Administration approved Ticovac TBE vaccine for use among persons aged ≥1 year. This report summarizes the epidemiology of and risks for infection with TBE virus, provides information on the immunogenicity and safety of TBE vaccine, and summarizes the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for use of TBE vaccine among U.S. travelers and laboratory workers. The risk for TBE for most U.S. travelers to areas where the disease is endemic is very low. The risk for exposure to infected ticks is highest for persons who are in areas where TBE is endemic during the main TBE virus transmission season of April–November and who are planning to engage in recreational activities in woodland habitats or who might be occupationally exposed. All persons who travel to areas where TBE is endemic should be advised to take precautions to avoid tick bites and to avoid the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products because alimentary transmission of TBE virus can occur. TBE vaccine can further reduce infection risk and might be indicated for certain persons who are at higher risk for TBE. The key factors in the risk-benefit assessment for vaccination are likelihood of exposure to ticks based on activities and itinerary (e.g., location, rurality, season, and duration of travel or residence). Other risk-benefit considerations should include 1) the rare occurrence of TBE but its potentially high morbidity and mortality, 2) the higher risk for severe disease among certain persons (e.g., older persons aged ≥60 years), 3) the availability of an effective vaccine, 4) the possibility but low probability of serious adverse events after vaccination, 5) the likelihood of future travel to areas where TBE is endemic, and 6) personal perception and tolerance of risk ACIP recommends TBE vaccine for U.S. persons who are moving or traveling to an area where the disease is endemic and will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary. Extensive exposure can be considered based on the duration of travel and frequency of exposure and might include shorter-term (e.g., <1 month) travelers with daily or frequent exposure or longer-term travelers with regular (e.g., a few times a month) exposure to environments that might harbor infected ticks. In addition, TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas where ticks are likely to be found, with a decision to vaccinate made on the basis of an assessment of their planned activities and itinerary, risk factors for a poor medical outcome, and personal perception and tolerance of risk. In the laboratory setting, ACIP recommends TBE vaccine for laboratory workers with a potential for exposure to TBE virus
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6
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Hills SL, Wong JM, Staples JE. Arboviral vaccines for use in pregnant travelers. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 55:102624. [PMID: 37517630 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women traveling abroad can be exposed to a variety of arboviruses, primarily spread by mosquitoes or ticks. Some arboviral infections can be of particular concern for pregnant women or their fetuses. Vaccination is one preventive measure that can reduce the risk for infection. Several arboviral vaccines have been licensed for many years and can be used to prevent infection in travelers, namely Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, and tick-borne encephalitis vaccines. Recommendations on use of these vaccines in pregnancy vary. Other arboviral vaccines have been licensed but are not indicated for use in pregnant travelers (e.g., dengue vaccines) or are in development (e.g., chikungunya, Zika vaccines). This review describes arboviral vaccines for travelers, focusing on women who are pregnant and those planning travel during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Hills
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - J M Wong
- Dengue Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, San Juan, PR, USA
| | - J E Staples
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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7
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Pustijanac E, Buršić M, Talapko J, Škrlec I, Meštrović T, Lišnjić D. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Prevention. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1634. [PMID: 37512806 PMCID: PMC10383662 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, can cause serious infection of the central nervous system in humans, resulting in potential neurological complications and fatal outcomes. TBEV is primarily transmitted to humans through infected tick bites, and the viral agent circulates between ticks and animals, such as deer and small mammals. The occurrence of the infection aligns with the seasonal activity of ticks. As no specific antiviral therapy exists for TBEV infection, treatment approaches primarily focus on symptomatic relief and support. Active immunization is highly effective, especially for individuals in endemic areas. The burden of TBEV infections is increasing, posing a growing health concern. Reported incidence rates rose from 0.4 to 0.9 cases per 100,000 people between 2015 and 2020. The Baltic and Central European countries have the highest incidence, but TBE is endemic across a wide geographic area. Various factors, including social and environmental aspects, improved medical awareness, and advanced diagnostics, have contributed to the observed increase. Diagnosing TBEV infection can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of the initial symptoms and potential co-infections. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management, prevention of complications, and effective control measures. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the molecular structure of TBEV, its transmission and circulation in natural environments, the pathogenesis of TBEV infection, the epidemiology and global distribution of the virus, associated risk factors, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic approaches. By improving understanding of these aspects, we aim to enhance knowledge and promote strategies for timely and accurate diagnosis, appropriate management, and the implementation of effective control measures against TBEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emina Pustijanac
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Moira Buršić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, 52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - Jasminka Talapko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ivana Škrlec
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Meštrović
- University Centre Varaždin, University North, 42000 Varaždin, Croatia
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and the Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dubravka Lišnjić
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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8
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Bestehorn-Willmann M, Girl P, Greiner F, Mackenstedt U, Dobler G, Lang D. Increased Vaccination Diversity Leads to Higher and Less-Variable Neutralization of TBE Viruses of the European Subtype. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1044. [PMID: 37376433 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infectious disease of the central nervous system. The causative agent is the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which is most commonly transmitted by tick bites, but which may also be transmitted through the consumption of raw dairy products or, in rare instances, via infected transfusions, transplants, or the slaughter of infected animals. The only effective preventive option is active immunization. Currently, two vaccines are available in Europe-Encepur® and FSME-IMMUN®. In Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe, isolated TBEV genotypes belong mainly to the European subtype (TBEV-EU). In this study, we investigated the ability of these two vaccines to induce neutralizing antibodies against a panel of diverse natural TBEV-EU isolates from TBE-endemic areas in southern Germany and in regions of neighboring countries. Sera of 33 donors vaccinated with either FSME-IMMUN®, Encepur®, or a mixture of both were tested against 16 TBEV-EU strains. Phylogenetic analysis of the TBEV-EU genomes revealed substantial genetic diversity and ancestry of the identified 13 genotypic clades. Although all sera were able to neutralize the TBEV-EU strains, there were significant differences among the various vaccination groups. The neutralization assays revealed that the vaccination using the two different vaccine brands significantly increased neutralization titers, decreased intra-serum variance, and reduced the inter-virus variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Bestehorn-Willmann
- Institute for Zoology, Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Girl
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Greiner
- Institute for Zoology, Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Institute for Zoology, Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Institute for Zoology, Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Lang
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
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9
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Paradowska-Stankiewicz I, Pancer K, Poznańska A, Hordowicz M, Skibicka M, Słowiński M, Motak G, Falkiewicz B. Tick-borne encephalitis epidemiology and surveillance in Poland, and comparison with selected European countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2008 to 2020. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200452. [PMID: 37140452 PMCID: PMC10161683 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.18.2200452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most common viral central nervous system (CNS) infection in Poland. Previous research suggests that its incidence was underestimated in the pre-pandemic period. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a considerable burden on surveillance systems, which could further impact reporting.AimWe aimed to assess the completeness of reporting of TBE in the years 2008 to 2020 and explore the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on reporting to the epidemiological surveillance system, compared with hospitalisations for TBEV and other viral neuro-infections.MethodsWe compared the Polish epidemiology of TBE and other viral infections of the CNS from national surveillance reports with data on hospitalisations from 2008 to 2020 and data from selected European countries.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2020, 3,016 TBE cases were reported to surveillance compared with 3,620 hospitalisations. There was an increasing trend in hospitalisations, while surveillance data demonstrated the opposite, with the largest discrepancy observed in the first pandemic year (354 hospitalisations vs 159 cases reported to surveillance). Serological testing for TBE was used more in the known endemic region of north-eastern Poland and less in non-endemic areas. Other European countries reported higher TBE case numbers and an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas Poland observed an opposite trend.ConclusionThe sensitivity of TBE surveillance in Poland requires improvement. There are considerable regional differences. Regions that test for TBE intensively report most cases. Policymakers should be made aware of the value of quality epidemiological data for planning prophylactic measures in risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Pancer
- Laboratory BSL3 and Virology Department; National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Poznańska
- Department of Population Health Monitoring and Analysis, National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Hordowicz
- General Psychiatry Unit III, Dr Barbara Borzym's Independent Public Regional Psychiatric Health Care Centre, Radom, Poland
| | - Maria Skibicka
- Pfizer Polska Sp. z o.o., Vaccines Poland, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Gerard Motak
- IQVIA Commercial Consulting sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
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10
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Brandenburg PJ, Obiegala A, Schmuck HM, Dobler G, Chitimia-Dobler L, Pfeffer M. Seroprevalence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Virus Antibodies in Wild Rodents from Two Natural TBE Foci in Bavaria, Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020185. [PMID: 36839457 PMCID: PMC9962257 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is Eurasia's most important tick-borne viral disease. Rodents play an important role as natural hosts. Longitudinal studies on the dynamics of the seroprevalence rates in wild rodents in natural foci over the year are rare, and the dynamics of the transmission cycle still need to be understood. To better understand the infection dynamics, rodents were captured in a capture-mark-release-recapture-study in two natural foci in Bavaria, Germany, monthly from March 2019 to October 2022. Overall, 651 blood and thoracic lavage samples from 478 different wild rodents (Clethrionomys glareolus and Apodemus flavicollis) were analyzed for antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) and confirmed using a serum neutralization test (SNT). Furthermore, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis was performed to investigate ecological and individual factors for the probability of infection in rodents. Clethrionomys glareolus (19.4%) had a higher seroprevalence than A. flavicollis (10.5%). Within Cl. glareolus, more males (40.4%) than females (15.6%) were affected, and more adults (25.4%) than juveniles (9.8%). The probability of infection of rodents rather depends on factors such as species, sex, and age than on the study site of a natural focus, year, and season. The high incidence rates of rodents, particularly male adult bank voles, highlight their critical role in the transmission cycle of TBEV in a natural focus and demonstrate that serologically positive rodents can be reliably detected in a natural focus regardless of season or year. In addition, these data contribute to a better understanding of the TBEV cycle and thus could improve preventive strategies for human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Johannes Brandenburg
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-341-97-38150
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hannah Maureen Schmuck
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- National Consulting Laboratory for TBE, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- National Consulting Laboratory for TBE, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Krasselt J, Robin D, Fadda M, Geutjes A, Bubenhofer N, Suzanne Suggs L, Dratva J. Tick-Talk: Parental online discourse about TBE vaccination. Vaccine 2022; 40:7538-7546. [PMID: 36347719 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to understand parental discourse about vaccination, and to provide guidance for communication that addresses the needs of parents. We analyzed parental discourse on child vaccination in general and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) specifically in a Swiss parental online community. For this purpose, a data set containing 105k posts written by parents between 2007 and 2019 was analyzed using a combination of linguistic discourse analysis and qualitative content analysis. Results show that parents enter into a multidimensional decision-making process, characterized by elaborate practices of negotiation, consideration of vaccination recommendations as well as six distinct influencing thematic factors (vaccination safety, development and control, effectiveness, epidemiology, necessity, alternatives or additional prevention methods). The study shows a clear pattern of seasonality, with parents talking about TBE vaccination mostly triggered by events such as tick bites in spring and summer. From a public health perspective, the study emphasizes the need for sufficient, balanced, and tailored information about TBE vaccination. Online forums provide valuable information about what matters to parents and when, which can help public health authorities and practitioners provide information according to these concerns and enhance health literacy among parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krasselt
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Language Competence, Theaterstrasse, 17, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland.
| | - Dominik Robin
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Marta Fadda
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Institute of Public Health, Via Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Anita Geutjes
- University of Basel, Medical Faculty, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Noah Bubenhofer
- University of Zurich, German Department, Schönberggasse, 9, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - L Suzanne Suggs
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Institute of Public Health, Via Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Julia Dratva
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; University of Basel, Medical Faculty, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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12
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Martello E, Gillingham EL, Phalkey R, Vardavas C, Nikitara K, Bakonyi T, Gossner CM, Leonardi-Bee J. Systematic review on the non-vectorial transmission of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102028. [PMID: 36030646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infection caused by the Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) and it is common in Europe. The virus is predominantly transmitted by ticks, but other non-vectorial modes of transmission are possible. This systematic review synthesises the epidemiological impact of non-vectorial modes of TBEv transmission in Europe. 41 studies were included comprising of 1308 TBE cases. Alimentary (36 studies), handling infected material (3 studies), blood-borne (1 study), solid organ transplant (1 study) were identified as potential routes of TBEv transmission; however, no evidence of vertical transmission from mother to offspring was reported (2 studies). Consumption of unpasteurised milk/milk products was the most common vehicle of transmission and significantly increased the risk of TBE by three-fold (pooled RR 3.05, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.11; 4 studies). This review also confirms handling infected material, blood-borne and solid organ transplant as potential routes of TBEv transmission. It is important to tracing back to find the vehicle of the viral infection and to promote vaccination as it remains a mainstay for the prevention of TBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Martello
- Centre for Evidence Based Healthcare, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | | | - Revati Phalkey
- Centre for Evidence Based Healthcare, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Climate Change and Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, UK
| | - Constantine Vardavas
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Tamas Bakonyi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Céline M Gossner
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
| | - Jo Leonardi-Bee
- Centre for Evidence Based Healthcare, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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13
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Borde JP, Glaser R, Braun K, Riach N, Hologa R, Kaier K, Chitimia-Dobler L, Dobler G. Decoding the Geography of Natural TBEV Microfoci in Germany: A Geostatistical Approach Based on Land-Use Patterns and Climatological Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11830. [PMID: 36142105 PMCID: PMC9517139 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Tickborne-encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially life-threating neurological disease that is mainly transmitted by ticks. The goal of the present study is to analyze the potential uniform environmental patterns of the identified TBEV microfoci in Germany. The results are used to calculate probabilities for the present distribution of TBEV microfoci in Germany based on a geostatistical model. Methods: We aim to consider the specification of environmental characteristics of locations of TBEV microfoci detected in Germany using open access epidemiological, geographical and climatological data sources. We use a two-step geostatistical approach, where in a first step, the characteristics of a broad set of environmental variables between the 56 TBEV microfoci and a control or comparator set of 3575 sampling points covering Germany are compared using Fisher's Exact Test. In the second step, we select the most important variables, which are then used in a MaxEnt distribution model to calculate a high resolution (400 × 400 m) probability map for the presence of TBEV covering the entire area of Germany. Results: The findings from the MaxEnt prediction model indicate that multi annual actual evapotranspiration (27.0%) and multi annual hot days (22.5%) have the highest contribution to our model. These two variables are followed by four additional variables with a lower, but still important, explanatory influence: Land cover classes (19.6%), multi annual minimum air temperature (14.9%), multi annual sunshine duration (9.0%), and distance to coniferous and mixed forest border (7.0%). Conclusions: Our findings are based on defined TBEV microfoci with known histories of infection and the repeated confirmation of the virus in the last years, resulting in an in-depth high-resolution model/map of TBEV microfoci in Germany. Multi annual actual evapotranspiration (27%) and multi annual hot days (22.5%) have the most explanatory power in our model. The results may be used to tailor specific regional preventive measures and investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P. Borde
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, D-79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Praxis Prof. Dr. J. Borde & Kollegen, Gesundheitszentrum Oberkirch, Am Marktplatz 8, D-77704 Oberkirch, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Glaser
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Klaus Braun
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Nils Riach
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Rafael Hologa
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Klaus Kaier
- Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 26, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, D-80937 München, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, D-80937 München, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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14
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Finkensieper J, Issmail L, Fertey J, Rockstroh A, Schopf S, Standfest B, Thoma M, Grunwald T, Ulbert S. Low-Energy Electron Irradiation of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Provides a Protective Inactivated Vaccine. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825702. [PMID: 35340807 PMCID: PMC8942778 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a zoonotic flavivirus which is endemic in many European and Asian countries. Humans can get infected with TBEV usually via ticks, and possible symptoms of the infection range from fever to severe neurological complications such as encephalitis. Vaccines to protect against TBEV-induced disease are widely used and most of them consist of whole viruses, which are inactivated by formaldehyde. Although this production process is well established, it has several drawbacks, including the usage of hazardous chemicals, the long inactivation times required and the potential modification of antigens by formaldehyde. As an alternative to chemical treatment, low-energy electron irradiation (LEEI) is known to efficiently inactivate pathogens by predominantly damaging nucleic acids. In contrast to other methods of ionizing radiation, LEEI does not require substantial shielding constructions and can be used in standard laboratories. Here, we have analyzed the potential of LEEI to generate a TBEV vaccine and immunized mice with three doses of irradiated or chemically inactivated TBEV. LEEI-inactivated TBEV induced binding antibodies of higher titer compared to the formaldehyde-inactivated virus. This was also observed for the avidity of the antibodies measured after the second dose. After viral challenge, the mice immunized with LEEI- or formaldehyde-inactivated TBEV were completely protected from disease and had no detectable virus in the central nervous system. Taken together, the results indicate that LEEI could be an alternative to chemical inactivation for the production of a TBEV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Finkensieper
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Leila Issmail
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jasmin Fertey
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexandra Rockstroh
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simone Schopf
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bastian Standfest
- Department of Laboratory Automation and Biomanufacturing Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Martin Thoma
- Department of Laboratory Automation and Biomanufacturing Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Grunwald
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Leipzig, Germany
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15
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Friedsam AM, Brady OJ, Pilic A, Dobler G, Hellenbrand W, Nygren TM. Geo-Spatial Characteristics of 567 Places of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Infection in Southern Germany, 2018-2020. Microorganisms 2022; 10:643. [PMID: 35336218 PMCID: PMC8953713 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a growing public health problem with increasing incidence and expanding risk areas. Improved prevention requires better understanding of the spatial distribution and ecological determinants of TBE transmission. However, a TBE risk map at sub-district level is still missing for Germany. We investigated the distribution and geo-spatial characteristics of 567 self-reported places of probable TBE infection (POI) from 359 cases notified in 2018-2020 in the study area of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, compared to 41 confirmed TBE foci and 1701 random comparator places. We built an ecological niche model to interpolate TBE risk to the entire study area. POI were distributed heterogeneously at sub-district level, as predicted probabilities varied markedly across regions (range 0-93%). POI were spatially associated with abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic geo-spatial characteristics, including summer precipitation, population density, and annual frost days. The model performed with 69% sensitivity and 63% specificity at an optimised probability threshold (0.28) and an area under the curve of 0.73. We observed high predictive probabilities in small-scale areas, consistent with the known circulation of the TBE virus in spatially restricted microfoci. Supported by further field work, our findings may help identify new TBE foci. Our fine-grained risk map could supplement targeted prevention in risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie M Friedsam
- Immunization Unit (FG33), Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver J Brady
- Centre of Mathematical Modelling for Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Antonia Pilic
- Immunization Unit (FG33), Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Department of Microbiology of the German Armed Forces, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Wiebke Hellenbrand
- Immunization Unit (FG33), Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Teresa M Nygren
- Immunization Unit (FG33), Robert Koch Institute, Seestraße 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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16
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Food-Borne Transmission of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus—Spread, Consequences, and Prophylaxis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031812. [PMID: 35162837 PMCID: PMC8835261 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most common viral neurological disease in Eurasia. It is usually transmitted via tick bites but can also occur through ingestion of TBEV-infected milk and dairy products. The present paper summarises the knowledge of the food-borne TBEV transmission and presents methods for the prevention of its spread. The incidence of milk-borne TBE outbreaks is recorded in central, eastern, and north-eastern Europe, where Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, and/or Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, i.e., the main vectors of TBEV, occur abundantly. The growing occurrence range and population size of these ticks increases the risk of infection of dairy animals, i.e., goats, sheep, and cows, with viruses transmitted by these ticks. Consumers of unpasteurised milk and dairy products purchased from local farms located in TBE endemic areas are the most vulnerable to alimentary TBEV infections. Familial infections with these viruses are frequently recorded, mainly in children. Food-transmitted TBE can be monophasic or biphasic, and some of its neurological and psychiatric symptoms may persist in patients for a long time. Alimentary TBEV infections can be effectively prevented by consumption of pasteurised milk and the use of TBEV vaccines. It is recommended that milk and dairy products should be checked for the presence of TBE viruses prior to distribution. Protection of dairy animals against tick attacks and education of humans regarding the epidemiology and prophylaxis of TBE are equally important.
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17
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New and Confirmed Foci of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) in Northern Germany Determined by TBEV Detection in Ticks. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020126. [PMID: 35215070 PMCID: PMC8876329 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a tick-transmitted, virus-induced neurological disease with potentially fatal outcomes in humans and animals. Virus transmission takes places in so-called tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) microfoci, which constitute small areas of sustained virus circulation. In southern Germany, TBEV has been endemic for decades; however, a northward expansion of risk areas, based on disease incidence in the human population, has been observed in recent years. The present study investigated TBEV occurrence in questing ticks at eight locations in the federal state of Lower Saxony, northwestern Germany, chosen due to reported associations with human TBE cases (N = 4) or previous virus detection (N = 4). A total of 20,056 ticks were collected in 2020 and 2021 and tested for TBEV RNA in pools of ten nymphs or five adults by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR). Positive results were confirmed by RT amplification of the viral E gene. In total, 18 pools from five different sampling locations were positive for TBEV RNA. One previously unknown transmission focus was detected, while ongoing virus circulation was confirmed at the four further locations. Phylogenetic analysis showed that two different virus strains with different origins circulate in the locations identified as natural foci.
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18
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Ličková M, Fumačová Havlíková S, Sláviková M, Klempa B. Alimentary Infections by Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus. Viruses 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 35062261 PMCID: PMC8779402 DOI: 10.3390/v14010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes serious the neurological disease, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). TBEV can be transmitted to humans by ticks as well as by the alimentary route, which is mediated through the consumption of raw milk products from infected ruminants such as sheep, goats, and cows. The alimentary route of TBEV was recognized in the early 1950s and many important experimental studies were performed shortly thereafter. Nowadays, alimentary TBEV infections are recognized as a relevant factor contributing to the overall increase in TBE incidences in Europe. This review aims to summarize the history and current extent of alimentary TBEV infections across Europe, to analyze experimental data on virus secretion in milk, and to review possible alimentary infection preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Boris Klempa
- Biomedical Research Center, Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (M.L.); (S.F.H.); (M.S.)
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19
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Michelitsch A, Fast C, Sick F, Tews BA, Stiasny K, Bestehorn-Willmann M, Dobler G, Beer M, Wernike K. Long-term presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in experimentally infected bank voles (Myodes glareolus). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101693. [PMID: 33690089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a vector-borne pathogen that can cause serious neurological symptoms in humans. Across large parts of Eurasia TBEV is found in three traditional subtypes: the European, the Siberian and the Far-eastern subtype. Small mammalian animals play an important role in the transmission cycle as they enable the spread of TBEV among the vector tick population. To assess the impact of TBEV infection on its natural hosts, outbred bank voles (Myodes glareolus) were inoculated with one out of four European TBEV strains. Three of these TBEV strains were recently isolated in Germany. The forth one was the TBEV reference strain Neudörfl. Sampling points at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days post inoculation allowed the characterization of the course of infection. At each time point, six animals per strain were euthanized and eleven organ samples (brain, spine, lung, heart, small and large intestine, liver, spleen, kidney, bladder, sexual organ) as well as whole blood and serum samples were collected. The majority of bank voles (92/96) remained clinically unaffected after the inoculation with TBEV, but still developed a systemic infection during the first week, which transitioned to a viraemia and an infestation of the brain in some animals for the remainder of the first month. Viral RNA was found in whole blood samples of several animals (50/96), but only in a small fraction of the corresponding serum samples (4/50). From the whole blood, virus was successfully reisolated in cell culture until 14 days after inoculation. Less than five percent of all inoculated bank voles (4/96) displayed signs of distress in combination with a rapid weight loss and had to be euthanized prematurely. Overall, the recently isolated TBEV strains showed marked differences, such as a more frequent development of long-term viraemia and a higher detection rate of viral RNA in various organs, in comparison to the reference strain Neudörfl. Overall, our data suggest that the bank vole is a potential amplifying host in the TBEV transmission cycle and appears to be highly adapted to circulating TBEV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Michelitsch
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Christine Fast
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10,17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Franziska Sick
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Birke Andrea Tews
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Gerhard Dobler
- Dept. of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Str. 34, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Munich, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937, München, Germany.
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
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20
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Dueva EV, Tuchynskaya KK, Kozlovskaya LI, Osolodkin DI, Sedenkova KN, Averina EB, Palyulin VA, Karganova GG. Spectrum of antiviral activity of 4-aminopyrimidine N-oxides against a broad panel of tick-borne encephalitis virus strains. Antivir Chem Chemother 2021; 28:2040206620943462. [PMID: 32811155 PMCID: PMC7545520 DOI: 10.1177/2040206620943462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis is an important human arbovirus neuroinfection spread across the Northern Eurasia. Inhibitors of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) strain Absettarov, presumably targeting E protein n-octyl-β-d-glucoside (β-OG) pocket, were reported earlier. In this work, these inhibitors were tested in vitro against seven strains representing three main TBEV subtypes. The most potent compound, 2-[(2-methyl-1-oxido-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinazolin-4-yl)amino]-phenol, showed EC50 values lower than 22 µM against all the tested strains. Nevertheless, EC50 values for virus samples of certain strains demonstrated a substantial variation, which appeared to be consistent with the presence of E protein not only in infectious virions, but also in non-infectious and immature virus particles, protein aggregates, and membrane complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia V Dueva
- FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Liubov I Kozlovskaya
- FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia *The work on the basis of the FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" was performed by the author during her employment from 2012 to 2017
| | - Dmitry I Osolodkin
- FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia.,Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia *The work on the basis of the FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" was performed by the author during her employment from 2012 to 2017
| | | | - Elena B Averina
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Galina G Karganova
- FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia *The work on the basis of the FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS" was performed by the author during her employment from 2012 to 2017
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The COVID-19 pandemic has cast increased attention on emerging infections. Clinicians and public health experts should be aware of emerging infectious causes of encephalitis, mechanisms by which they are transmitted, and clinical manifestations of disease. RECENT FINDINGS A number of arthropod-borne viral infections -- transmitted chiefly by mosquitoes and ticks -- have emerged in recent years to cause outbreaks of encephalitis. Examples include Powassan virus in North America, Chikungunya virus in Central and South America, and tick-borne encephalitis virus in Europe. Many of these viruses exhibit complex life cycles and can infect multiple host animals in addition to humans. Factors thought to influence emergence of these diseases, including changes in climate and land use, are also believed to underlie the emergence of the rickettsial bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi, now recognized as a major causative agent of acute encephalitis syndrome in South Asia. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the role of bats as carriers of viruses. Recent studies have begun to uncover mechanisms by which the immune systems of bats are poised to allow for viral tolerance. Several bat-borne infections, including Nipah virus and Ebola virus, have resulted in recent outbreaks of encephalitis. SUMMARY Infectious causes of encephalitis continue to emerge worldwide, in part because of climate change and human impacts on the environment. Expansion of surveillance measures will be critical in rapid diagnosis and limiting of outbreaks in the future.
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22
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Chitimia-Dobler L, Lindau A, Oehme R, Bestehorn-Willmann M, Antwerpen M, Drehmann M, Hierl T, Mackenstedt U, Dobler G. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination Protects from Alimentary TBE Infection: Results from an Alimentary Outbreak. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9050889. [PMID: 33919318 PMCID: PMC8143337 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In May 2017, a hospitalized index case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) was confirmed by Serology. The case was linked to alimentary infection by raw milk from a goat farm in the region of Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, where no previous TBE cases in the area had been reported before. The TBE focus was confirmed by isolation of the TBE virus from ticks and Serological confirmation of past infection in one of the five flock goats. Additional investigations by the local public health office identified 27 consumers of goat milk at the putative period of exposure. For 20/27 exposed persons, anamnestic information was gained by the local public health office. Twelve/fourteen exposed and non-vaccinated people developed clinical illness and were confirmed as TBE cases by Serology. Five/six vaccinated and exposed people did not develop the disease. The one exposed and vaccinated person had their last TBE vaccination booster more than 15 years ago, and therefore a booster was more than 10 years overdue. None of the regularly vaccinated and exposed persons developed clinical overt TBE infection. We report the first known TBE outbreak, during which, protection by TBE vaccination against alimentary TBE infection was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (L.C.-D.); (M.A.)
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.L.); (M.B.-W.); (M.D.); (U.M.)
| | - Alexander Lindau
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.L.); (M.B.-W.); (M.D.); (U.M.)
| | - Rainer Oehme
- State Health Office Baden-Württemberg, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Malena Bestehorn-Willmann
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.L.); (M.B.-W.); (M.D.); (U.M.)
| | - Markus Antwerpen
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (L.C.-D.); (M.A.)
| | - Marco Drehmann
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.L.); (M.B.-W.); (M.D.); (U.M.)
| | - Thomas Hierl
- District Health Office Zollernalbkreis, 72379 Hechingen, Germany;
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.L.); (M.B.-W.); (M.D.); (U.M.)
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (L.C.-D.); (M.A.)
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (A.L.); (M.B.-W.); (M.D.); (U.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-899926923974
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23
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Akaberi D, Båhlström A, Chinthakindi PK, Nyman T, Sandström A, Järhult JD, Palanisamy N, Lundkvist Å, Lennerstrand J. Targeting the NS2B-NS3 protease of tick-borne encephalitis virus with pan-flaviviral protease inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2021; 190:105074. [PMID: 33872674 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe neurological disorder caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the Flavivirus genus. Currently, two vaccines are available in Europe against TBEV. However, TBE cases have been rising in Sweden for the past twenty years, and thousands of cases are reported in Europe, emphasizing the need for antiviral treatments against this virus. The NS2B-NS3 protease is essential for flaviviral life cycle and has been studied as a target for the design of inhibitors against several well-known flaviviruses, but not TBEV. In the present study, Compound 86, a known tripeptidic inhibitor of dengue (DENV), West Nile (WNV) and Zika (ZIKV) proteases, was predicted to be active against TBEV protease using a combination of in silico techniques. Further, Compound 86 was found to inhibit recombinant TBEV protease with an IC50 = 0.92 μM in the in vitro enzymatic assay. Additionally, two more peptidic analogues were synthetized and they displayed inhibitory activities against both TBEV and ZIKV proteases. In particular, Compound 104 inhibited ZIKV protease with an IC50 = 0.25 μM. These compounds represent the first reported inhibitors of TBEV protease to date and provides valuable information for the further development of TBEV as well as pan-flavivirus protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Akaberi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amanda Båhlström
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Discovery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Praveen K Chinthakindi
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Discovery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tomas Nyman
- Protein Science Facility, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anja Sandström
- The Beijer Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Design and Discovery, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Josef D Järhult
- Department of Medical Sciences, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Lennerstrand
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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24
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Banović P, Obregón D, Mijatović D, Simin V, Stankov S, Budakov-Obradović Z, Bujandrić N, Grujić J, Sević S, Turkulov V, Díaz-Sánchez AA, Cabezas-Cruz A. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Seropositivity among Tick Infested Individuals in Serbia. Pathogens 2021; 10:301. [PMID: 33807559 PMCID: PMC8001322 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), caused by the TBE virus (TBEV), is a life-threatening disease with clinical symptoms ranging from non-specific to severe inflammation of the central nervous system. Despite TBE is a notifiable disease in Serbia since 2004, there is no active TBE surveillance program for the serologic or molecular screening of TBEV infection in humans in the country. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the TBEV exposure among tick-infested individuals in Serbia during the year 2020. A total of 113 individuals exposed to tick bites were recruited for the study and screened for anti-TBEV antibodies using a commercial indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA) test. Blood samples from 50 healthy donors not exposed to tick bites were included as a control group. Most of the enrolled patients reported infestations with one tick, being I. ricinus the most frequent tick found in the participants. The TBEV seroprevalence was higher (13.27%, 15 total 113) in tick-infested individuals than in healthy donors (4%, 2 total 50), although the difference was not significant. Notably, male individuals exposed to tick bites showed five times higher relative risk (RR) of being TBEV-seropositive than healthy donors of the same gender (RR= 5.1, CI = 1.6-19; p = 0.007). None of the seropositive individuals developed clinical manifestations of TBE, but the first clinical-stage of Lyme borreliosis (i.e., erythema migrans) was detected in seven of them. Potential TBEV foci were identified in rural areas, mostly in proximity or within the Fruška Gora mountain. We conclude that the Serbian population is at high risk of TBEV exposure. Further epidemiological studies should focus on potential TBEV foci identified in this study. The implementation of active surveillance for TBEV might contribute to evaluating the potential negative impact of TBE in Serbia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavle Banović
- Ambulance for Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (Z.B.-O.); (N.B.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (V.T.)
| | - Dasiel Obregón
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
- Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP 13400-970, Brazil
| | - Dragana Mijatović
- Ambulance for Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Verica Simin
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (V.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Srdjan Stankov
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (V.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Zorana Budakov-Obradović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (Z.B.-O.); (N.B.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (V.T.)
- Blood Transfusion Institute Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nevenka Bujandrić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (Z.B.-O.); (N.B.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (V.T.)
- Blood Transfusion Institute Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jasmina Grujić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (Z.B.-O.); (N.B.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (V.T.)
- Blood Transfusion Institute Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Siniša Sević
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (Z.B.-O.); (N.B.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (V.T.)
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vesna Turkulov
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (Z.B.-O.); (N.B.); (J.G.); (S.S.); (V.T.)
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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25
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Boulanger N, Wikel S. Induced Transient Immune Tolerance in Ticks and Vertebrate Host: A Keystone of Tick-Borne Diseases? Front Immunol 2021; 12:625993. [PMID: 33643313 PMCID: PMC7907174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.625993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks and tick transmitted infectious agents are increasing global public health threats due to increasing abundance, expanding geographic ranges of vectors and pathogens, and emerging tick-borne infectious agents. Greater understanding of tick, host, and pathogen interactions will contribute to development of novel tick control and disease prevention strategies. Tick-borne pathogens adapt in multiple ways to very different tick and vertebrate host environments and defenses. Ticks effectively pharmacomodulate by its saliva host innate and adaptive immune defenses. In this review, we examine the idea that successful synergy between tick and tick-borne pathogen results in host immune tolerance that facilitates successful tick infection and feeding, creates a favorable site for pathogen introduction, modulates cutaneous and systemic immune defenses to establish infection, and contributes to successful long-term infection. Tick, host, and pathogen elements examined here include interaction of tick innate immunity and microbiome with tick-borne pathogens; tick modulation of host cutaneous defenses prior to pathogen transmission; how tick and pathogen target vertebrate host defenses that lead to different modes of interaction and host infection status (reservoir, incompetent, resistant, clinically ill); tick saliva bioactive molecules as important factors in determining those pathogens for which the tick is a competent vector; and, the need for translational studies to advance this field of study. Gaps in our understanding of these relationships are identified, that if successfully addressed, can advance the development of strategies to successfully disrupt both tick feeding and pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Boulanger
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle - UR7290, Early Bacterial Virulence, Group Borrelia, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Borrelia, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stephen Wikel
- Department of Medical Sciences, Frank H. Netter, M.D., School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, United States
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26
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ADAM15 Participates in Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Replication. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.01926-20. [PMID: 33208450 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01926-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a major tick-borne viral pathogen of humans, is known to cause neurological diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis. However, the life cycle and pathogenesis of TBEV are not well understood. Here, we show that the knockdown or knockout of ADAM15 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 15), a host protein involved in neuroblastoma diseases, leads to TBEV replication and assembly defects. We characterized the disintegrin domain in ADAM15 and found that the ADAM15 subcellular localization was changed following TBEV infection. RNA interference (RNAi) screen analysis confirmed ADAM's nonredundant functions and identified a specific role for ADAM15 in TBEV infection. An RNA-sequencing analysis was also conducted to understand the causal link between TBEV infection and the cellular endomembrane network, namely, the generation of replication organelles promoting viral genome replication and virus production. Our data demonstrated that TBEV infection changes ADAM15 cellular localization, which contributes to membrane reorganization and viral replication.IMPORTANCE Tick populations are increasing, and their geographic ranges are expanding. Increases in tick-borne disease prevalence and transmission are important public health issues. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) often results in meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis. TBEV causes clinical disease in more than 20,000 humans in Europe and Asia per year. An increased incidence of TBE has been noted in Europe and Asia, as a consequence of climate and socioeconomic changes. The need to investigate the mechanism(s) of interaction between the virus and the host factors is apparent, as it will help us to understand the roles of host factors in the life cycle of TBEV. The significance of our research is in identifying the ADAM15 for TBEV replication, which will greatly enhance our understanding of TBEV life cycle and highlight a target for pharmaceutical consideration.
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27
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Springer A, Glass A, Probst J, Strube C. Tick-borne zoonoses and commonly used diagnostic methods in human and veterinary medicine. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4075-4090. [PMID: 33459849 PMCID: PMC8599405 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07033-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Around the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Antje Glass
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Julia Probst
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
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28
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Abstract
Ticks exist on all continents and carry more zoonotic pathogens than any other type of vector. Ticks spend most of their lives in the external environment away from the host and are thus expected to be affected by changes in climate. Most empirical and theoretical studies demonstrate or predict range shifts or increases in ticks and tick-borne diseases, but there can be a lot of heterogeneity in such predictions. Tick-borne disease systems are complex, and determining whether changes are due to climate change or other drivers can be difficult. Modeling studies can help tease apart and understand the roles of different drivers of change. Predictive models can also be invaluable in projecting changes according to different climate change scenarios. However, validating these models remains challenging, and estimating uncertainty in predictions is essential. Another focus for future research should be assessing the resilience of ticks and tick-borne pathogens to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Gilbert
- Institute for Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom;
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29
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Springer A, Glass A, Topp AK, Strube C. Zoonotic Tick-Borne Pathogens in Temperate and Cold Regions of Europe-A Review on the Prevalence in Domestic Animals. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:604910. [PMID: 33363242 PMCID: PMC7758354 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.604910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens affecting both human and animal health. In temperate and cold regions of Europe (Western, Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe), the most relevant zoonotic tick-borne pathogens are tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Borrelia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. More rarely, Rickettsia spp., Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and zoonotic Babesia spp. are identified as a cause of human disease. Domestic animals may also be clinically affected by these pathogens, and, furthermore, can be regarded as sentinel hosts for their occurrence in a certain area, or even play a role as reservoirs or amplifying hosts. For example, viraemic ruminants may transmit TBEV to humans via raw milk products. This review summarizes the role of domestic animals, including ruminants, horses, dogs, and cats, in the ecology of TBEV, Borrelia spp., A. phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., N. mikurensis, and zoonotic Babesia species. It gives an overview on the (sero-)prevalence of these infectious agents in domestic animals in temperate/cold regions of Europe, based on 148 individual prevalence studies. Meta-analyses of seroprevalence in asymptomatic animals estimated an overall seroprevalence of 2.7% for TBEV, 12.9% for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), 16.2% for A. phagocytophilum and 7.4% for Babesia divergens, with a high level of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses with regard to animal species, diagnostic test, geographical region and decade of sampling were mostly non-significant, with the exception of significantly lower B. burgdorferi s.l. seroprevalences in dogs than in horses and cattle. More surveillance studies employing highly sensitive and specific test methods and including hitherto non-investigated regions are needed to determine if and how global changes in terms of climate, land use, agricultural practices and human behavior impact the frequency of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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30
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Haut M, Girl P, Oswald B, Romig T, Obiegala A, Dobler G, Pfeffer M. The Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) as Sentinel for Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Endemic and Non-Endemic Areas. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111817. [PMID: 33218052 PMCID: PMC7698811 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most important viral zoonosis caused by a neurotropic arbovirus (TBEV). In Germany, TBE is classified as a notifiable disease with an average of 350 autochthonous human cases annually. The incidence-based risk assessment in Germany came under criticism because every year, a number of autochthonous human TBE cases have been detected outside of the official risk areas. Therefore, it is necessary to find additional parameters to strengthen TBEV surveillance. The aim of this study was to examine red foxes as sentinels for TBE. Thus far, there are no published data about the sensitivity and specificity for serological methods testing fox samples. Hence, we aimed to define a system for the screening of TBEV-specific antibodies in red foxes. A total of 1233 fox sera were collected and examined by ELISA and IIFA and confirmed by micro-NT. The overall seroprevalence of antibodies against TBEV in red foxes from Germany confirmed by micro-NT was 21.1%. The seroprevalence differed significantly between risk (30.5%) and non-risk areas (13.1%), with good correlations to local TBE incidence in humans. In conclusion, serological monitoring of red foxes represents a promising surrogate marker system and may even determine unexpected TBEV foci in regions currently regarded as non-risk areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Haut
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.H.); (A.O.)
| | - Philipp Girl
- German National Consultant Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (B.O.); (G.D.)
| | - Beate Oswald
- German National Consultant Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (B.O.); (G.D.)
| | - Thomas Romig
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.H.); (A.O.)
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- German National Consultant Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany; (P.G.); (B.O.); (G.D.)
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany;
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (M.H.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-341-9738152
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Gillingham EL, Cull B, Pietzsch ME, Phipps LP, Medlock JM, Hansford K. The Unexpected Holiday Souvenir: The Public Health Risk to UK Travellers from Ticks Acquired Overseas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E7957. [PMID: 33138220 PMCID: PMC7663673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Overseas travel to regions where ticks are found can increase travellers' exposure to ticks and pathogens that may be unfamiliar to medical professionals in their home countries. Previous studies have detailed non-native tick species removed from recently returned travellers, occasionally leading to travel-associated human cases of exotic tick-borne disease. There are 20 species of tick endemic to the UK, yet UK travellers can be exposed to many other non-native species whilst overseas. Here, we report ticks received by Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme from humans with recent travel history between January 2006 and December 2018. Altogether, 16 tick species were received from people who had recently travelled overseas. Confirmed imports (acquired outside of the UK) were received from people who recently travelled to 22 countries. Possible imports (acquired abroad or within the UK) were received from people who had recently travelled to eight European countries. Species-specific literature reviews highlighted nine of the sixteen tick species are known to vector at least one tick-borne pathogen to humans in the country of acquisition, suggesting travellers exposed to ticks may be at risk of being bitten by a species that is a known vector, with implications for novel tick-borne disease transmission to travellers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Gillingham
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Maaike E. Pietzsch
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - L. Paul Phipps
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Research Group, Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3NB, UK;
| | - Jolyon M. Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
| | - Kayleigh Hansford
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK; (B.C.); (M.E.P.); (J.M.M.); (K.H.)
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Paulsen KM, Lamsal A, Bastakoti S, Pettersson JHO, Pedersen BN, Stiasny K, Haglund M, Smura T, Vapalahti O, Vikse R, Alfsnes K, Andreassen ÅK. High-throughput sequencing of two European strains of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Hochosterwitz and 1993/783. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101557. [PMID: 33080519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a medically important arbovirus, widespread in Europe and Asia. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans and animals by bites from ticks and, in rare cases, by consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. The aim of this study was to sequence and characterize two TBEV strains with amplicon sequencing by designing overlapping primers. The amplicon sequencing, via Illumina MiSeq, covering nearly the entire TBEV genome, was successful: We retrieved and characterized the complete polyprotein sequence of two TBEV strains, Hochosterwitz and 1993/783 from Austria and Sweden, respectively. In this study the previous phylogenetic analysis of both strains was confirmed to be of the European subtypes of TBEV (TBEV-Eu) by whole genome sequencing. The Hochosterwitz strain clustered with the two strains KrM 93 and KrM 213 from South Korea, and the 1993/783 strain clustered together with the NL/UH strain from the Netherlands. Our study confirms the suitability and rapidness of the high-throughput sequencing method used to produce complete TBEV genomes from TBEV samples of high viral load giving high-molecular-weight cDNA with large overlapping amplicons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine M Paulsen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, PO-Box 222 Skøyen, NO-0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alaka Lamsal
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, PO-Box 222 Skøyen, NO-0213, Oslo, Norway; University of South-Eastern Norway, Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, Gullbringvegen 36, NO-3800, Bø, Norway
| | - Srijana Bastakoti
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, PO-Box 222 Skøyen, NO-0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - John H-O Pettersson
- Uppsala University, Zoonosis Science Center, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala, Sweden; The University of Sydney, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Sydney Medical School, Sydney, Australia
| | - Benedikte N Pedersen
- University of South-Eastern Norway, Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, Gullbringvegen 36, NO-3800, Bø, Norway
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Virology, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mats Haglund
- Kalmar County Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, SE-391 85, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Teemu Smura
- University of Helsinki, Department of Virology, Medicum, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- University of Helsinki, Department of Virology, Medicum, Helsinki, Finland; University of Helsinki, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Helsinki, Finland; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Department of Virology and Immunology, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rose Vikse
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, PO-Box 222 Skøyen, NO-0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristian Alfsnes
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Bacteriology, PO-Box 222 Skøyen, NO-0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åshild K Andreassen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Department of Virology, PO-Box 222 Skøyen, NO-0213, Oslo, Norway; University of South-Eastern Norway, Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, Gullbringvegen 36, NO-3800, Bø, Norway.
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Kubinski M, Beicht J, Gerlach T, Volz A, Sutter G, Rimmelzwaan GF. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus: A Quest for Better Vaccines against a Virus on the Rise. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E451. [PMID: 32806696 PMCID: PMC7564546 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, is one of the most important tick-transmitted viruses in Europe and Asia. Being a neurotropic virus, TBEV causes infection of the central nervous system, leading to various (permanent) neurological disorders summarized as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The incidence of TBE cases has increased due to the expansion of TBEV and its vectors. Since antiviral treatment is lacking, vaccination against TBEV is the most important protective measure. However, vaccination coverage is relatively low and immunogenicity of the currently available vaccines is limited, which may account for the vaccine failures that are observed. Understanding the TBEV-specific correlates of protection is of pivotal importance for developing novel and improved TBEV vaccines. For affording robust protection against infection and development of TBE, vaccines should induce both humoral and cellular immunity. In this review, the adaptive immunity induced upon TBEV infection and vaccination as well as novel approaches to produce improved TBEV vaccines are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Kubinski
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo), Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.)
| | - Jana Beicht
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo), Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.)
| | - Thomas Gerlach
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo), Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.)
| | - Asisa Volz
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo), Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Gerd Sutter
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Veterinaerstr. 13, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Guus F. Rimmelzwaan
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation (TiHo), Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (M.K.); (J.B.); (T.G.)
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van den Brom R, de Jong A, van Engelen E, Heuvelink A, Vellema P. Zoonotic risks of pathogens from sheep and their milk borne transmission. Small Rumin Res 2020; 189:106123. [PMID: 32427176 PMCID: PMC7227596 DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sheep were domesticated around 9000 BC in the Middle East, and since then milk from sheep gradually became very popular, not only for drinking but also for making cheeses and other dairy products. Nowadays, these dairy products are also important for people with an allergy to cow milk, and these products are an essential part of the local daily diet in regions of the world that are not suitable for cows and goats. Consumption of raw milk and raw milk products has a zoonotic risk, and with regard to sheep, the main pathogens associated with such dairy products are: Brucella melitensis, Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, tick borne encephalitis virus, and Toxoplasma gondii. Especially, young children, elderly people, pregnant women and immunocompromised (YOPI) persons, and those suffering from disease should be aware of the risk of consuming raw milk and raw milk products. This latter risk can be reduced by proper flock health management, prevention of contamination during milking, adequate milk processing, transport, and refrigerated storage. Only processes equaling pasteurization sufficiently reduce zoonotic risks from milk and milk products, but proper cooling is essential and recontamination must be prevented. Therefore, strict hygiene practices throughout the production process and supply chain especially for raw milk and raw dairy products, should be applied. Small scale production systems pose a greater risk compared to industrialized production systems because of a less protocolized and controlled production process. This manuscript describes zoonotic risks of pathogens from sheep and their milk borne transmission. Additionally, routes of contamination, possibilities for multiplication, and prevention measures thereof are described. We summarize some major human outbreaks caused by consumption of sheep milk and products made thereof, and finally discuss their implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- René van den Brom
- Royal GD, Department of Small Ruminant Health, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Aarieke de Jong
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Office for Risk Assessment and Research (NVWA-BuRO), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik van Engelen
- Royal GD, Department of Research and Development, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Annet Heuvelink
- Royal GD, Department of Research and Development, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | - Piet Vellema
- Royal GD, Department of Small Ruminant Health, Deventer, The Netherlands
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Michel F, Ziegler U, Fast C, Eiden M, Klaus C, Dobler G, Stiasny K, Groschup MH. Role of ducks in the transmission cycle of tick-borne encephalitis virus? Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:499-508. [PMID: 32599659 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, is the most important tick-transmitted arbovirus in Europe. It can cause severe illnesses in humans and in various animal species. The main mechanism for the spread of TBEV into new areas is considered to be the translocation of infected ticks. To find out whether ducks can function as a natural virus reservoir in addition to serving as passive transport vectors, we carried out an experimental TBEV challenge study to reveal their susceptibility and resulting pathogenesis. Nineteen ducks were inoculated subcutaneously with TBEV strain 'Neudoerfl' and monitored for 21 days. Blood, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected throughout the experiment and organ samples upon necropsy at the end of the study. All samples were tested for TBEV-RNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction. TBEV-specific antibodies were determined by virus neutralization test and ELISA. Organ samples were examined histopathologically and by immunohistochemistry. The inoculated ducks did not show any clinical symptoms. TBEV-specific RNA was detected in all brain samples as well as in a few blood and swab samples. Moreover, all challenged birds produced TBEV antibodies and showed a mild to severe acute to subacute necrotizing encephalitis. TBEV-specific antigen was detected in the brain of 14 ducks by immunohistochemistry. The short and low viremic phases, as well as the low virus load in tissues, suggest that ducks should not be considered as reservoir hosts. However, due to the high antibody levels, ducks can serve as sentinel species for the detection of natural TBEV foci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Michel
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Klaus
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Jena, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Department of Virology and Rickettsiology, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Nyataya J, Maraka M, Lemtudo A, Masakhwe C, Mutai B, Njaanake K, Estambale BB, Nyakoe N, Siangla J, Waitumbi JN. Serological Evidence of Yersiniosis, Tick-Borne Encephalitis, West Nile, Hepatitis E, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Lyme Borreliosis, and Brucellosis in Febrile Patients Presenting at Diverse Hospitals in Kenya. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:348-357. [PMID: 31928511 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Data on pathogen prevalence is crucial for informing exposure and disease risk. We evaluated serological evidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), West Nile (WN), Hepatitis E virus (HEV), Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), Yersiniosis, Lyme Disease (LD), and brucellosis in 1033 patients presenting with acute febrile illness at 9 health care facilities from diverse ecological zones of Kenya: arid and semiarid (Garissa District Hospital, Lodwar District Hospital, Marigat District Hospital, Gilgil District Hospital), Lake Victoria basin (Kisumu District Hospital, Alupe District Hospital, Kombewa Sub-County Hospital), Kisii highland (Kisii District Hospital), and coastal (Malindi District Hospital). Epidemiological information of the patients such as geography, age, gender, and keeping animals were analyzed as potential risk factors. Of the 1033 samples, 619 (59.9%) were seropositive to at least one pathogen by IgM (current exposure), IgG/IgM (recent exposure), and IgG (past exposure). Collective seroprevalence for current, recent, and past to the pathogens was 9.4%, 5.1%, and 21.1% for LD; 3.6%, 0.5%, and 12.4% for WN; 0.9%, 0.5%, and 16.9% for HEV; 5.8%, 1.3%, and 3.9% for brucellosis; 5.7%, 0.2%, and 2.3% for yersiniosis; 1.7%, 0%, and 6.2% for TBE; and 0.4%, 0%, and 1.9% for CCHF. Brucellosis risk was higher in patients recruited at Garissa District Hospital (odds ratio [OR] = 3.41), HEV (OR = 2.45) and CCHF (OR = 5.46) in Lodwar District Hospital, LD in Alupe District Hospital (OR = 5.73), Kombewa Sub-district hospital (OR = 8.17), and Malindi District hospital (OR = 3.3). Exposure to LD was highest in the younger age group, whereas yersiniosis did not vary with age. Age was a significant risk for WN, brucellosis, CCHF, TBE, and HEV and in those aged >14 years there was an increased risk to WN (OR = 2.30, p < 0.0001), brucellosis (OR = 1.84, p = 0.005), CCHF (OR = 4.35, p = 0.001), TBE (OR = 2.78, p < 0.0001), and HEV (OR = 1.94, p = 0.0001). We conclude that LD is pervasive and constitutes a significant health burden to the study population, whereas yersiniosis and CCHF are not significant threats. Going forward, community-based studies will be needed to capture the true seroprevalence rates and the associated risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josphat Nyataya
- Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Basic Science Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Moureen Maraka
- Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Basic Science Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Allan Lemtudo
- Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Basic Science Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Clement Masakhwe
- Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Basic Science Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Beth Mutai
- Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Basic Science Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kariuki Njaanake
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benson B Estambale
- Division of Research, Innovation and Outreach, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
| | - Nancy Nyakoe
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joram Siangla
- Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Basic Science Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John Njenga Waitumbi
- Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Basic Science Laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya
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Abstract
Increases in tick-borne disease prevalence and transmission are important public health issues. Efforts to control these emerging diseases are frustrated by the struggle to control tick populations and to detect and treat infections caused by the pathogens that they transmit. This review covers tick-borne infectious diseases of nonrickettsial bacterial, parasitic, and viral origins. While tick surveillance and tracking inform our understanding of the importance of the spread and ecology of ticks and help identify areas of risk for disease transmission, the vectors are not the focus of this document. Here, we emphasize the most significant pathogens that infect humans as well as the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that they cause. Although detection via molecular or immunological methods has improved, tick-borne diseases continue to remain underdiagnosed, making the scope of the problem difficult to assess. Our current understanding of the incidence of tick-borne diseases is discussed in this review. An awareness of the diseases that can be transmitted by ticks in specific locations is key to detection and selection of appropriate treatment. As tick-transmitted pathogens are discovered and emerge in new geographic regions, our ability to detect, describe, and understand the growing public health threat must also grow to meet the challenge.
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Paulsen KM, das Neves CG, Granquist EG, Madslien K, Stuen S, Pedersen BN, Vikse R, Rocchi M, Laming E, Stiasny K, Andreassen ÅK. Cervids as sentinel-species for tick-borne encephalitis virus in Norway - A serological study. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 67:342-351. [PMID: 31855321 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the causative agent of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). TBEV is one of the most important neurological pathogens transmitted by tick bites in Europe. The objectives of this study were to investigate the seroprevalence of TBE antibodies in cervids in Norway and the possible emergence of new foci, and furthermore to evaluate if cervids can function as sentinel animals for the distribution of TBEV in the country. Serum samples from 286 moose, 148 roe deer, 140 red deer and 83 reindeer from all over Norway were collected and screened for TBE immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies with a modified commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by TBEV serum neutralisation test (SNT). The overall seroprevalence against the TBEV complex in the cervid specimens from Norway was 4.6%. The highest number of seropositive cervids was found in south-eastern Norway, but seropositive cervids were also detected in southern- and central Norway. Antibodies against TBEV detected by SNT were present in 9.4% of the moose samples, 1.4% in red deer, 0.7% in roe deer, and nil in reindeer. The majority of the positive samples in our study originated from areas where human cases of TBE have been reported in Norway. The study is the first comprehensive screening of cervid species in Norway for antibodies to TBEV, and shows that cervids are useful sentinel animals to indicate TBEV occurrence, as supplement to studies in ticks. Furthermore, the results indicate that TBEV might be spreading northwards in Norway. This information may be of relevance for public health considerations and supports previous findings of TBEV in ticks in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine M Paulsen
- Department of Virology, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Erik G Granquist
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Section of Small Ruminant Research and Herd Health, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - Benedikte N Pedersen
- Department of Virology, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Natural Science and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Rose Vikse
- Department of Virology, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mara Rocchi
- Virus Surveillance Unit, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Scotland, UK
| | - Ellie Laming
- Virus Surveillance Unit, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Scotland, UK
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Åshild K Andreassen
- Department of Virology, Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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San Martin Rodriguez M, Kaier K, Hehn M, Borde JP. Knowledge, habits and attitudes towards TBE and other tick-borne diseases in German forestry trainees. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101307. [PMID: 31591071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an occupational hazard for forestry workers. We measured knowledge levels, misbeliefs, and vaccination rates in forestry trainees in order to tailor specific measures aimed at reducing occupational TBE incidence. A paper-based survey was performed at a central training site for forestry workers in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. The questionnaire contained items regarding vaccination status against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), self-reported tick-borne diseases, knowledge of and attitudes towards tick-borne disease, and practices in the context of ticks and tick bites. All trainees in the period June-December 2018 were surveyed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Mann-Whitney-Rank sum test and one-way ANOVA tests. Two-hundred-twenty-five trainees participated in the survey. Almost all (>99%) were aware of living in a TBE high-risk area. Eighty-three percent of respondents were vaccinated in line with current recommendations. Seventeen percent had no effective vaccination status. Twenty-seven percent believed that ticks can transmit only TBEV and Borrelia spp. Sixty-two percent knew that TBEV infections can be fatal. Only 8% of respondents use tick repellents and only 17% wear long sleeves and pants. Trainees who graduated from a six and (eight or) nine secondary school (Realschule and Abitur respectively) had more knowledge on ticks and tick-borne disease compared to graduates from a five year school (Hauptschule) (p = 0.002 and p = 0,037 respectively). Overall, the TBE vaccination rate is not high enough in this high-risk occupational group. We identified gaps in knowledge and practices that could have an impact on TBE incidence in this group if addressed. Further epidemiological research is needed on knowledge, attitudes, and practices in different high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Klaus Kaier
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 26, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maria Hehn
- Forestry Training Center Mattenhof (FAZ Mattenhof, Gengenbach), Mattenhofweg 14, D-77723 Gengenbach, Germany
| | - Johannes P Borde
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg i.Br., Germany; Praxis Dr. J. Borde / Gesundheitszentrum Oberkirch, Am Marktplatz 8, D-77704 Oberkirch, Germany.
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Rizzoli A, Tagliapietra V, Cagnacci F, Marini G, Arnoldi D, Rosso F, Rosà R. Parasites and wildlife in a changing world: The vector-host- pathogen interaction as a learning case. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:394-401. [PMID: 31341772 PMCID: PMC6630057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the Anthropocene context, changes in climate, land use and biodiversity are considered among the most important anthropogenic factors affecting parasites-host interaction and wildlife zoonotic diseases emergence. Transmission of vector borne pathogens are particularly sensitive to these changes due to the complexity of their cycle, where the transmission of a microparasite depends on the interaction between its vector, usually a macroparasite, and its reservoir host, in many cases represented by a wildlife vertebrate. The scope of this paper focuses on the effect of some major, fast-occurring anthropogenic changes on the vectorial capacity for tick and mosquito borne pathogens. Specifically, we review and present the latest advances regarding two emerging vector-borne viruses in Europe: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). In both cases, variation in vector to host ratio is critical in determining the intensity of pathogen transmission and consequently infection hazard for humans. Forecasting vector-borne disease hazard under the global change scenarios is particularly challenging, requiring long term studies based on a multidisciplinary approach in a One-Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Francesca Cagnacci
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marini
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Fausta Rosso
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
- Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
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Boelke M, Bestehorn M, Marchwald B, Kubinski M, Liebig K, Glanz J, Schulz C, Dobler G, Monazahian M, Becker SC. First Isolation and Phylogenetic Analyses of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Lower Saxony, Germany. Viruses 2019; 11:E462. [PMID: 31117224 PMCID: PMC6563265 DOI: 10.3390/v11050462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important tick-borne arboviral disease in Europe. Presently, the main endemic regions in Germany are located in the southern half of the country. Although recently, sporadic human TBE cases were reported outside of these known endemic regions. The detection and characterization of invading TBE virus (TBEV) strains will considerably facilitate the surveillance and assessment of this important disease. In 2018, ticks were collected by flagging in several locations of the German federal state of Lower Saxony where TBEV-infections in humans (diagnosed clinical TBE disease or detection of TBEV antibodies) were reported previously. Ticks were pooled according to their developmental stage and tested for TBEV-RNA by RT-qPCR. Five of 730 (0.68%) pools from Ixodes spp. ticks collected in the areas of "Rauher Busch" and "Barsinghausen/Mooshuette" were found positive for TBEV-RNA. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole genomes and E gene sequences revealed a close relationship between the two TBEV isolates, which cluster with a TBEV strain from Poland isolated in 1971. This study provides first data on the phylogeny of TBEV in the German federal state of Lower Saxony, outside of the known TBE endemic areas of Germany. Our results support the hypothesis of an east-west invasion of TBEV strains in Western Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Boelke
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
| | - Malena Bestehorn
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Microbiology of the Bundeswehr, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Birgit Marchwald
- The Governmental Institute of Public Health of Lower Saxony (NLGA), Roesebeckstraße 4-6, 30449 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Mareike Kubinski
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
| | - Katrin Liebig
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
| | - Julien Glanz
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
| | - Claudia Schulz
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany.
- Institute of Microbiology of the Bundeswehr, Neuherbergstraße 11, 80937 Munich, Germany.
| | - Masyar Monazahian
- The Governmental Institute of Public Health of Lower Saxony (NLGA), Roesebeckstraße 4-6, 30449 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Stefanie C Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
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42
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Saksida A, Jakopin N, Jelovšek M, Knap N, Fajs L, Lusa L, Lotrič-Furlan S, Bogovič P, Arnež M, Strle F, Avšič-Županc T. Virus RNA Load in Patients with Tick-Borne Encephalitis, Slovenia. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:1315-1323. [PMID: 29912706 PMCID: PMC6038823 DOI: 10.3201/eid2407.180059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We determined levels of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus (TBEV) RNA in serum samples obtained from 80 patients during the initial phase of TBE in Slovenia. For most samples, levels were within the range of 3-6 log10 copies RNA/mL. Levels were higher in female patients than in male patients, but we found no association between virus load and several laboratory and clinical parameters, including severity of TBE. However, a weak humoral immune response was associated with a more severe disease course, suggesting that inefficient clearance of virus results in a more serious illness. To determine whether a certain genetic lineage of TBEV had a higher virulence potential, we obtained 56 partial envelope protein gene sequences by directly sequencing reverse transcription PCR products from clinical samples of patients. This method provided a large set of patient-derived TBEV sequences. We observed no association between phylogenetic clades and virus load or disease severity.
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Marano C, Moodley M, Melander E, De Moerlooze L, Nothdurft HD. Perceptions of tick-borne encephalitis risk: a survey of travellers and travel clinics from Canada, Germany, Sweden and the UK. J Travel Med 2019; 26:S10-S16. [PMID: 30476160 PMCID: PMC6377183 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tay063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the worldwide endemicity of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been increasing, a lack of awareness of the risks of this life-threatening disease may be leading to an underutilization of preventive measures among travellers to TBE-endemic regions. This study's objectives were to assess travellers' awareness of TBE and advice-seeking attitudes, and to evaluate practices of travel clinics regarding pre-travel advice. METHODS We used an online questionnaire to identify individuals aged 18-65 years residing in the UK, Germany, Canada and Sweden, who had travelled to TBE-endemic countries between 2013 and 2016. This sample was defined as the visit-risk sample. Of these, the first 375 respondents who reported that they had engaged in pre-defined at-risk activities (e.g. hiking in forests) were asked to complete an additional online survey and were included in the activity-risk sub-sample. We also used an online/phone questionnaire to interview travel clinic personnel. RESULTS The TBE visit-risk sample included 4375 individuals; 69% had heard of the disease and 32% had heard of a TBE vaccine. Before travelling, travellers most commonly sought information online (26%); fewer travellers consulted family doctors (8%) or travel clinics (5%). In the activity-risk sample, 79% of the travellers were aware of at least one correct TBE prevention measure; however, only 15% reported being vaccinated within the past 3 years, with 11% of vaccinated travellers doing so following a clinic's recommendation. One hundred and eighty travel clinic representatives responded and reported that TBE vaccination was recommended to an average of 61% of travellers to endemic regions. Vaccination-reminder services such as follow-up appointments, e-mail and text reminders were offered by 50% of the clinics. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to increase awareness of the risk and prevention of TBE among travellers to endemic countries, and travel clinics could play an important role in this process. 5975671594001tay062media15975671594001.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hans D Nothdurft
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Andersen NS, Bestehorn M, Chitimia-Dobler L, Kolmos HJ, Jensen PM, Dobler G, Skarphédinsson S. Phylogenetic characterization of tick-borne encephalitis virus from Bornholm, Denmark. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 10:533-539. [PMID: 30704909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea has been known as a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) natural focus for more than 60 years. TBE in humans is diagnosed on a regular basis either in inhabitants or tourists of the island. Other areas in Denmark have been suggested as possible risk areas of TBE. Despite the long-known endemicity on Bornholm and the possibility of the virus circulating in other areas, no data on the prevalences of TBE virus (TBEV) in ticks, or adequate molecular characterization and phylogenetic studies are available for the circulating TBEV strains. This study aimed to detect TBEV in ticks collected on the island of Bornholm and other possible risk areas, with the attempt to isolate the circulating viruses for molecular and phylogenetic analysis and confirm the presence of virus in the predicted risk areas. From 2014 to 2016, 9321 I. ricinus (nymphs, females, and males) were collected by flagging 31 locations in Denmark. The ticks were pooled and tested for TBEV by qPCR. The envelope gene of the detected TBE virus strains was amplified and sequenced by RT-PCR. After successful virus isolation, whole genome sequencing was performed. Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences was done by the Maximum Likelihood method. One pool of 11 females and one pool of eight males from a total of 34 tick pools collected from the northwestern shore of lake Rubinsøen on Bornholm tested positive, resulting in a local estimated point prevalence of 0.6% [CI95% 0,1-1.85%] in this microfocus. We were not successful in confirming any other of the predicted TBEV-endemic areas. Alignment of the two complete E genes from Bornholm revealed identical sequences. Virus isolation and whole genome sequencing were succeeded from one of the positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolated virus had the closest phylogenetic relationship to TBEV sequences detected in Eastern and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Skaarup Andersen
- Clinical Centre of Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark; Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløvsvej 21.2, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Malena Bestehorn
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Jørn Kolmos
- Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløvsvej 21.2, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Per Moestrup Jensen
- Department of Plant- and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871, Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Zoology, University of Hohenheim, Hans-Wolff-Strasse 34, DE-70955, Stuttgart, Germany; Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany; German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Munich, Neuherbergstrasse 11, DE-80937, Munich, Germany
| | - Sigurdur Skarphédinsson
- Clinical Centre of Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark
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45
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Khalaf JM, Mohammed IA, Karim AJ. The epidemiology of tick in transmission of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in buffaloes in Marshes of the south of Iraq. Vet World 2018; 11:1677-1681. [PMID: 30774257 PMCID: PMC6362327 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.1677-1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to investigate the role of ticks in transmission of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq. MATERIALS AND METHODS This survey included 255 healthy and clinically ill buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq (Thi-Qar, Basra, and Misan provinces) between the periods from May 2017 to April 2018. Animals were clinically examined. Ticks, isolated from perineum and under tail, sent to the Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad and University of Thi-Qar for taxonomy. Ticks were dissected, and all internal organs were removed aseptically by forceps to sterile tubes containing brain heart infusion broth and incubated at 37°C for 36 h and subcultured on blood and MacConkey agars at 37°C for 36 h. Biochemical tests including citrate, methyl red, indole, urease, triple sugar iron (H2S), motility tests, and Gram stain were performed. RESULTS Two species of ticks were identified. Hyalomma spp. (175; 68.63%) were significantly higher than Rhipicephalus spp. (80; 31.37%). Conversely, pathogenic bacteria in Rhipicephalus spp. (55; 68.75%) was higher than detected from Hyalomma spp. (113; 64.57%), but non-significant. The prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria in ticks on diseased buffaloes (110; 88.00%) was significantly higher than non-diseased (58; 44.61%). Escherichia coli (123; 73.21%) showed a significantly higher prevalence than Salmonella spp. (25; 14.88%) and Klebsiella spp. (15; 8.92%). There was no significant variation between Salmonella spp. and Klebsiella spp. The latter was significantly higher than Enterobacter spp. (5; 2.97%). The isolation rate of infected tick collected from buffaloes inhabiting marshes was 65 (66.32%), 45 (69.23%), and 58 (63.40%) from Thi-Qar, Basra, and Misan provinces, respectively, with no significant variation. July and August (71.05% and 72.97%) reported the highest among months, while November, December, January, and February recorded nil (0.00%). The summer season was significantly higher (72.72%) followed by autumn (62.06%) and spring (59.77%), while winter reported no any bacterial isolation (0.00%). CONCLUSION The high prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria isolated from hard ticks supports the probability of transmitting these bacteria to buffaloes in marshes of the south of Iraq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenan Mahmood Khalaf
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ibrahim Abbas Mohammed
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Abdulkarim Jafar Karim
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
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46
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Bestehorn M, Weigold S, Kern WV, Chitimia-Dobler L, Mackenstedt U, Dobler G, Borde JP. Phylogenetics of tick-borne encephalitis virus in endemic foci in the upper Rhine region in France and Germany. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204790. [PMID: 30335778 PMCID: PMC6193627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most important tick-borne arboviral disease in Europe and Asia. The Upper Rhine Valley is thought to be the very western border of TBEV distribution in Europe. The aim of our study was to identify natural foci and isolate TBEV from ticks, to determine the prevalence of TBEV in local tick populations and to study the phylogenetic relatedness of circulating TBEV strains in this region. Material and methods Ticks were collected between 2016, 2017 and 2018 by flagging. TBEV was isolated from collected ticks and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Minimal infection rates (MIR) of the collected ticks were calculated. Results At 12 sampling sites, a total of 4,064 Ixodes ticks were collected in 2016 and 2017 –(and one single collection 2018). 953 male, 856 female adult ticks and 2,255 nymphs were identified. The MIR rates were 0,17% (1/595) for Schiltach (Germany) and 0,11% (1/944) for Foret de la Robertsau (France), respectively. Overall, the three newly described TBEV strains, isolated in the years 2016 and 2017 from the Upper Rhine Valley have no close phylogenetic relation and show a genetic relationship with strains from eastern Europe. The 2018 TBEV strain from Aubachstrasse (Germany), however, is closely related to the TBEV found in Schiltach (Germany). Conclusion In conclusion, we demonstrate, to our knowledge for the first time, the phylogenetic relations of the newly isolated TBEV strains on both sides of the upper Rhine river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malena Bestehorn
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, D-Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sebastian Weigold
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, University of Freiburg Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg i.Br., Germany
| | - Winfried V Kern
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, University of Freiburg Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg i.Br., Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, D-Stuttgart, Germany.,Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) partner site Munich, Neuherbergstraße 11, München, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, D-Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, D-Stuttgart, Germany.,Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, German Center of Infection Research (DZIF) partner site Munich, Neuherbergstraße 11, München, Germany
| | - Johannes P Borde
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, University of Freiburg Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg i.Br., Germany.,Praxis Dr. J. Borde / Gesundheitszentrum Oberkirch, Am Marktplatz 8, Oberkirch, Germany
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47
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Bogovič P, Lotrič-Furlan S, Avšič-Županc T, Lusa L, Strle F. Factors associated with severity of tick-borne encephalitis: A prospective observational study. Travel Med Infect Dis 2018; 26:25-31. [PMID: 30296483 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information on parameters associated with the severity of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is limited. METHODS The association between 15 pre-defined parameters and the severity of TBE was evaluated in 717 consecutive adult patients diagnosed in Slovenia 2007-2012. RESULTS Multivariable logistic regression showed that patient age (odds ratio, OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11-1.44; P = 0.001), previous vaccination against TBE (OR 14.23, 95% CI 1.72-117.87; P = 0.014), blood leukocyte count (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.13-1.85; P = 0.004), and level of specific TBE virus serum IgG antibodies (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75-0.96; P = 0.009) were associated with severe acute illness based on the clinical diagnosis. When severity of TBE was based on the severity score and linear regression was used, corresponding association was found for age (estimated coefficient, EC 1.70, 95% CI 1.06-2.33; P<0.001), previous vaccination against TBE (EC 11.16, 95% CI 5.05-17.27; P < 0.001), serum C-reactive protein level (EC 1.20, 95% CI 0.48-1.91; P = 0.001), and level of specific TBE virus serum IgG antibodies (EC -0.74, 95% CI -1.27-0.20; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Previous vaccination against TBE, low levels of TBE virus serum IgG antibodies, older age, higher blood leukocyte count, and higher serum C-reactive protein levels are associated with more severe TBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bogovič
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Stanka Lotrič-Furlan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- Institute for Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lara Lusa
- Institute for Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Franc Strle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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48
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Palus M, Sohrabi Y, Broman KW, Strnad H, Šíma M, Růžek D, Volkova V, Slapničková M, Vojtíšková J, Mrázková L, Salát J, Lipoldová M. A novel locus on mouse chromosome 7 that influences survival after infection with tick-borne encephalitis virus. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:39. [PMID: 29976152 PMCID: PMC6034256 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0438-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the main tick-borne viral infection in Eurasia. Its manifestations range from inapparent infections and fevers with complete recovery to debilitating or fatal encephalitis. The basis of this heterogeneity is largely unknown, but part of this variation is likely due to host genetic. We have previously found that BALB/c mice exhibit intermediate susceptibility to the infection of TBE virus (TBEV), STS mice are highly resistant, whereas the recombinant congenic strain CcS-11, carrying 12.5% of the STS genome on the background of the BALB/c genome is even more susceptible than BALB/c. Importantly, mouse orthologs of human TBE controlling genes Oas1b, Cd209, Tlr3, Ccr5, Ifnl3 and Il10, are in CcS-11 localized on segments derived from the strain BALB/c, so they are identical in BALB/c and CcS-11. As they cannot be responsible for the phenotypic difference of the two strains, we searched for the responsible STS-derived gene-locus. Of course the STS-derived genes in CcS-11 may operate through regulating or epigenetically modifying these non-polymorphic genes of BALB/c origin. Methods To determine the location of the STS genes responsible for susceptibility of CcS-11, we analyzed survival of TBEV-infected F2 hybrids between BALB/c and CcS-11. CcS-11 carries STS-derived segments on eight chromosomes. These were genotyped in the F2 hybrid mice and their linkage with survival was tested by binary trait interval mapping. We have sequenced genomes of BALB/c and STS using next generation sequencing and performed bioinformatics analysis of the chromosomal segment exhibiting linkage with TBEV survival. Results Linkage analysis revealed a novel suggestive survival-controlling locus on chromosome 7 linked to marker D7Nds5 (44.2 Mb). Analysis of this locus for polymorphisms between BALB/c and STS that change RNA stability and genes’ functions led to detection of 9 potential candidate genes: Cd33, Klk1b22, Siglece, Klk1b16, Fut2, Grwd1, Abcc6, Otog, and Mkrn3. One of them, Cd33, carried a nonsense mutation in the STS strain. Conclusions The robust genetic system of recombinant congenic strains of mice enabled detection of a novel suggestive locus on chromosome 7. This locus contains 9 candidate genes, which will be focus of future studies not only in mice but also in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Palus
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Yahya Sohrabi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karl W Broman
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, 6770 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706-1532, USA
| | - Hynek Strnad
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matyáš Šíma
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Růžek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Valeriya Volkova
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Slapničková
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Vojtíšková
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Mrázková
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Sítná 3105, 272 01, Kladno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Salát
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Lipoldová
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic. .,Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Sítná 3105, 272 01, Kladno, Czech Republic.
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Lindqvist R, Upadhyay A, Överby AK. Tick-Borne Flaviviruses and the Type I Interferon Response. Viruses 2018; 10:E340. [PMID: 29933625 PMCID: PMC6071234 DOI: 10.3390/v10070340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are globally distributed pathogens causing millions of human infections every year. Flaviviruses are arthropod-borne viruses and are mainly transmitted by either ticks or mosquitoes. Mosquito-borne flaviviruses and their interactions with the innate immune response have been well-studied and reviewed extensively, thus this review will discuss tick-borne flaviviruses and their interactions with the host innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lindqvist
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Umeå University, SE-90185 Umeå, Sweden.
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Arunkumar Upadhyay
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Umeå University, SE-90185 Umeå, Sweden.
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Anna K Överby
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Umeå University, SE-90185 Umeå, Sweden.
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden.
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50
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Bogovič P, Stupica D, Rojko T, Lotrič-Furlan S, Avšič-Županc T, Kastrin A, Lusa L, Strle F. The long-term outcome of tick-borne encephalitis in Central Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:369-378. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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