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Douglas JDM, Scott R. Lyme disease and occupation. Occup Med (Lond) 2024:kqae090. [PMID: 39378360 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqae090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a clinically complex and interesting zoonosis, caused by spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi , which is transmitted from wild animals to humans, by ticks.Humans have always worked in forests, but the complex forest ecosystem is changing with climate change. Tick-borne disease is now more common than Hand–arm Vibration Syndrome. Occupational health needs to respond with risk assessments, worker information and equipment to reduce tick acquisition. New pathogens and vaccines are future problems and solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Scott
- Health and Safety Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland, Inverness,UK
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2
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Middleton J, Cooper I, Rott AS. Tick hazard in the South Downs National Park (UK): species, distribution, key locations for future interventions, site density, habitats. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17483. [PMID: 38881864 PMCID: PMC11179636 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background South Downs National Park (SDNP) is UK's most visited National Park, and a focus of tick-borne Lyme disease. The first presumed UK autochthonous cases of tick-borne encephalitis and babesiosis were recorded in 2019-20. SDNP aims to conserve wildlife and encourage recreation, so interventions are needed that reduce hazard without negatively affecting ecosystem health. To be successful these require knowledge of site hazards. Methods British Deer Society members submitted ticks removed from deer. Key potential intervention sites were selected and six 50 m2 transects drag-sampled per site (mostly twice yearly for 2 years). Ticks were identified in-lab (sex, life stage, species), hazard measured as tick presence, density of ticks (all life stages, DOT), and density of nymphs (DON). Sites and habitat types were analysed for association with hazard. Distribution was mapped by combining our results with records from five other sources. Results A total of 87 Ixodes ricinus (all but one adults, 82% F) were removed from 14 deer (10 Dama dama; three Capreolus capreolus; one not recorded; tick burden, 1-35) at 12 locations (commonly woodland). Five key potential intervention sites were identified and drag-sampled 2015-16, collecting 623 ticks (238 on-transects): 53.8% nymphs, 42.5% larvae, 3.7% adults (13 M, 10 F). Ticks were present on-transects at all sites: I. ricinus at three (The Mens (TM); Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP); Cowdray Estate (CE)), Haemaphysalis punctata at two (Seven Sisters Country Park (SSCP); Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve (DBNR)). TM had the highest DOT at 30/300 m2 (DON = 30/300 m2), followed by QECP 22/300 m2 (12/300 m2), CE 8/300 m2 (6/300 m2), and SSCP 1/300 m2 (1/300 m2). For I. ricinus, nymphs predominated in spring, larvae in the second half of summer and early autumn. The overall ranking of site hazard held for DON and DOT from both seasonal sampling periods. DBNR was sampled 2016 only (one adult H. punctata collected). Woodland had significantly greater hazard than downland, but ticks were present at all downland sites. I. ricinus has been identified in 33/37 of SDNPs 10 km2 grid squares, Ixodes hexagonus 10/37, H. punctata 7/37, Dermacentor reticulatus 1/37. Conclusions Mapping shows tick hazard broadly distributed across SDNP. I. ricinus was most common, but H. punctata's seeming range expansion is concerning. Recommendations: management of small heavily visited high hazard plots (QECP); post-visit precaution signage (all sites); repellent impregnated clothing for deerstalkers; flock trials to control H. punctata (SSCP, DBNR). Further research at TM may contribute to knowledge on ecological dynamics underlying infection density and predator re-introduction/protection as public health interventions. Ecological research on H. punctata would aid control. SDNP Authority is ideally placed to link and champion policies to reduce hazard, whilst avoiding or reducing conflict between public health and ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Middleton
- Ecology and Evolution, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Cooper
- Centre for Precision Health and Translational Medicine; Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Anja S Rott
- Ecology, Conservation and Society Research and Enterprise Group, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
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3
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Wu Y, Zhou Q, Mao M, Chen H, Qi R. Diversity of species and geographic distribution of tick-borne viruses in China. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1309698. [PMID: 38476950 PMCID: PMC10929907 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1309698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tick-borne pathogens especially viruses are continuously appearing worldwide, which have caused severe public health threats. Understanding the species, distribution and epidemiological trends of tick-borne viruses (TBVs) is essential for disease surveillance and control. Methods In this study, the data on TBVs and the distribution of ticks in China were collected from databases and literature. The geographic distribution of TBVs in China was mapped based on geographic locations of viruses where they were prevalent or they were detected in vector ticks. TBVs sequences were collected from The National Center for Biotechnology Information and used to structure the phylogenetic tree. Results Eighteen TBVs from eight genera of five families were prevalent in China. Five genera of ticks played an important role in the transmission of TBVs in China. According to phylogenetic analysis, some new viral genotypes, such as the Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) strain detected in Liaoning Province and the JMTV strain detected in Heilongjiang Province existed in China. Discussion TBVs were widely distributed but the specific ranges of viruses from different families still varied in China. Seven TBVs belonging to the genus Orthonairovirus of the family Nairoviridae such as Nairobi sheep disease virus (NSDV) clustered in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and northeastern areas of China. All viruses of the family Phenuiviridae except Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) were novel viruses that appeared in the last few years, such as Guertu virus (GTV) and Tacheng tick virus 2 (TcTV-2). They were mainly distributed in the central plains of China. Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) was distributed in at least fourteen provinces and had been detected in more than ten species of tick such as Rhipicephalus microplus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, which had the widest distribution and the largest number of vector ticks among all TBVs. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and Lymphatic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) were two potential TBVs in Northeast China that could cause serious diseases in humans or animals. Ixodes persulcatus carried the highest number of TBVs, followed by Dermacentor nuttalli and H. longicornis. They could carry as many as ten TBVs. Three strains of Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) from Inner Mongolia Province clustered with ones from Russia, Japan and Heilongjiang Province, respectively. Several SFTSV strains from Zhejiang Province clustered with strains from Korea and Japan. Specific surveillance of dominant TBVs should be established in different areas in China.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rui Qi
- Institute of Microbiome Frontiers and One Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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4
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Bakker JW, Pascoe EL, van de Water S, van Keulen L, de Vries A, Woudstra LC, Esser HJ, Pijlman GP, de Boer WF, Sprong H, Kortekaas J, Wichgers Schreur PJ, Koenraadt CJM. Infection of wild-caught wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and yellow-necked mice (A. flavicollis) with tick-borne encephalitis virus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21627. [PMID: 38062065 PMCID: PMC10703896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The distribution of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is expanding to Western European countries, including the Netherlands, but the contribution of different rodent species to the transmission of TBEV is poorly understood. We investigated whether two species of wild rodents native to the Netherlands, the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus and the yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis, differ in their relative susceptibility to experimental infection with TBEV. Wild-caught individuals were inoculated subcutaneously with the classical European subtype of TBEV (Neudoerfl) or with TBEV-NL, a genetically divergent TBEV strain from the Netherlands. Mice were euthanised and necropsied between 3 and 21 days post-inoculation. None of the mice showed clinical signs or died during the experimental period. Nevertheless, TBEV RNA was detected up to 21 days in the blood of both mouse species and TBEV was also isolated from the brain of some mice. Moreover, no differences in infection rates between virus strains and mouse species were found in blood, spleen, or liver samples. Our results suggest that the wood mouse and the yellow-necked mouse may equally contribute to the transmission cycle of TBEV in the Netherlands. Future experimental infection studies that include feeding ticks will help elucidate the relative importance of viraemic transmission in the epidemiology of TBEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian W Bakker
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Emily L Pascoe
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Conservation Genomics Research Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Trento, Italy
| | - Sandra van de Water
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Lucien van Keulen
- Department of Bacteriology, Host-Pathogen Interaction and Diagnostics Development, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Ankje de Vries
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne C Woudstra
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Helen J Esser
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem F de Boer
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hein Sprong
- National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Saint Priest, France
| | - Paul J Wichgers Schreur
- Department of Virology and Molecular Biology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
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Worku DA. Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE): From Tick to Pathology. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6859. [PMID: 37959323 PMCID: PMC10650904 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216859] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral arthropod infection, endemic to large parts of Europe and Asia, and is characterised by neurological involvement, which can range from mild to severe, and in 33-60% of cases, it leads to a post-encephalitis syndrome and long-term morbidity. While TBE virus, now identified as Orthoflavivirus encephalitidis, was originally isolated in 1937, the pathogenesis of TBE is not fully appreciated with the mode of transmission (blood, tick, alimentary), viral strain, host immune response, and age, likely helping to shape the disease phenotype that we explore in this review. Importantly, the incidence of TBE is increasing, and due to global warming, its epidemiology is evolving, with new foci of transmission reported across Europe and in the UK. As such, a better understanding of the symptomatology, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of TBE is required to inform healthcare professionals going forward, which this review addresses in detail. To this end, the need for robust national surveillance data and randomised control trial data regarding the use of various antivirals (e.g., Galidesivir and 7-deaza-2'-CMA), monoclonal antibodies, and glucocorticoids is required to improve the management and outcomes of TBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Adam Worku
- Infectious Diseases, Morriston Hospital, Heol Maes Eglwys, Morriston, Swansea SA6 6NL, UK;
- Public Health Wales, 2 Capital Quarter, Cardiff CF10 4BZ, UK
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Marini G, Tagliapietra V, Cristofolini F, Cristofori A, Dagostin F, Zuccali MG, Molinaro S, Gottardini E, Rizzoli A. Correlation between airborne pollen data and the risk of tick-borne encephalitis in northern Italy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8262. [PMID: 37217780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35478-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by a flavivirus that infects animals including humans. In Europe, the TBE virus circulates enzootically in natural foci among ticks and rodent hosts. The abundance of ticks depends on the abundance of rodent hosts, which in turn depends on the availability of food resources, such as tree seeds. Trees can exhibit large inter-annual fluctuations in seed production (masting), which influences the abundance of rodents the following year, and the abundance of nymphal ticks two years later. Thus, the biology of this system predicts a 2-year time lag between masting and the incidence of tick-borne diseases such as TBE. As airborne pollen abundance is related to masting, we investigated whether inter-annual variation in pollen load could be directly correlated with inter-annual variation in the incidence of TBE in human populations with a 2-year time lag. We focused our study on the province of Trento (northern Italy), where 206 TBE cases were notified between 1992 and 2020. We tested the relationship between TBE incidence and pollen load collected from 1989 to 2020 for 7 different tree species common in our study area. Through univariate analysis we found that the pollen quantities recorded two years prior for two tree species, hop-hornbeam (Ostrya carpinifolia) and downy oak (Quercus pubescens), were positively correlated with TBE emergence (R2 = 0.2) while a multivariate model with both tree species better explained the variation in annual TBE incidence (R2 = 0.34). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt at quantifying the correlation between pollen quantities and the incidence of TBE in human populations. As pollen loads are collected by widespread aerobiological networks using standardized procedures, our study could be easily replicated to test their potential as early warning system for TBE and other tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Marini
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy.
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Fabiana Cristofolini
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Antonella Cristofori
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Francesca Dagostin
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Gottardini
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, TN, Italy
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Luan Y, Gou J, Zhong D, Ma L, Yin C, Shu M, Liu G, Lin Q. The Tick-Borne Pathogens: An Overview of China's Situation. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:1-20. [PMID: 36642777 PMCID: PMC9841149 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00658-1] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are important medical arthropods that can transmit hundreds of pathogens, such as parasites, bacteria, and viruses, leading to serious public health burdens worldwide. Unexplained fever is the most common clinical manifestation of tick-borne diseases. Since the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases led to the hospital overload and fewer laboratory tests for tick-borne diseases. Therefore, it is essential to review the tick-borne pathogens and further understand tick-borne diseases. PURPOSE The geographic distribution and population of ticks in the Northern hemisphere have expanded while emerging tick-borne pathogens have been introduced to China continuously. This paper focused on the tick-borne pathogens that are threatening public health in the world. Their medical significant tick vectors, as well as the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control measures, are emphasized in this document. METHODS In this study, all required data were collected from articles indexed in English databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. RESULTS Ticks presented a great threat to the economy and public health. Although both infections by tick-borne pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 have fever symptoms, the history of tick bite and its associated symptoms such as encephalitis or eschar could be helpful for the differential diagnosis. Additionally, as a carrier of vector ticks, migratory birds may play a potential role in the geographical expansion of ticks and tick-borne pathogens during seasonal migration. CONCLUSION China should assess the risk score of vector ticks and clarify the potential role of migratory birds in transmitting ticks. Additionally, the individual and collective protection, vector control, comprehensive surveillance, accurate diagnosis, and symptomatic treatment should be carried out, to meet the challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Luan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jingmin Gou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongjie Zhong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuansong Yin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Minfeng Shu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China.
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Lang D, Chitimia-Dobler L, Bestehorn-Willmann M, Lindau A, Drehmann M, Stroppel G, Hengge H, Mackenstedt U, Kaier K, Dobler G, Borde J. The Emergence and Dynamics of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in a New Endemic Region in Southern Germany. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2125. [PMID: 36363717 PMCID: PMC9693875 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important viral tick-borne infection in Europe and Asia. It is emerging in new areas. The mechanisms of emergence are fairly unknown or speculative. In the Ravensburg district in southern Germany, TBE emerged, mainly over the last five years. Here, we analyzed the underlying epidemiology in humans. The resulting identified natural foci of the causal TBE virus (TBEV) were genetically characterized. We sampled 13 potential infection sites at these foci and detected TBEV in ticks (Ixodes ricinus) at eight sites. Phylogenetic analysis spurred the introduction of at least four distinct TBEV lineages of the European subtype into the Ravensburg district over the last few years. In two instances, a continuous spread of these virus strains over up to 10 km was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lang
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Malena Bestehorn-Willmann
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Lindau
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Marco Drehmann
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gabriele Stroppel
- Public Health Office, District Ravensburg, 88212 Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Helga Hengge
- Public Health Office, District Ravensburg, 88212 Ravensburg, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Klaus Kaier
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics (IMBI), University Medical Center Freiburg im Breisgau, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Johannes Borde
- Praxis Prof. Borde & Kollegen, Gesundheitszentrum Oberkirch, 77704 Oberkirch, Germany
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg im Breisgau, 79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Kunze M, Banović P, Bogovič P, Briciu V, Čivljak R, Dobler G, Hristea A, Kerlik J, Kuivanen S, Kynčl J, Lebech AM, Lindquist L, Paradowska-Stankiewicz I, Roglić S, Smíšková D, Strle F, Vapalahti O, Vranješ N, Vynograd N, Zajkowska JM, Pilz A, Palmborg A, Erber W. Recommendations to Improve Tick-Borne Encephalitis Surveillance and Vaccine Uptake in Europe. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1283. [PMID: 35889002 PMCID: PMC9322045 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been an increase in reported TBE cases in Europe since 2015, reaching a peak in some countries in 2020, highlighting the need for better management of TBE risk in Europe. TBE surveillance is currently limited, in part, due to varying diagnostic guidelines, access to testing, and awareness of TBE. Consequently, TBE prevalence is underestimated and vaccination recommendations inadequate. TBE vaccine uptake is unsatisfactory in many TBE-endemic European countries. This review summarizes the findings of a scientific workshop of experts to improve TBE surveillance and vaccine uptake in Europe. Strategies to improve TBE surveillance and vaccine uptake should focus on: aligning diagnostic criteria and testing across Europe; expanding current vaccine recommendations and reducing their complexity; and increasing public education of the potential risks posed by TBEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kunze
- Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Pavle Banović
- Ambulance for Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, Department of Prevention of Rabies and Other Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
- Department of Microbiology with Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Petra Bogovič
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Japljeva 2, 1525 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Violeta Briciu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Rok Čivljak
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Mirogojska 8, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (R.Č.); (S.R.)
- Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany;
| | - Adriana Hristea
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020022 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Jana Kerlik
- Department of Epidemiology, Regional Authority of Public Health in Banská Bystrica, 97556 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia;
| | - Suvi Kuivanen
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (S.K.); (O.V.)
| | - Jan Kynčl
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health, Vinohrady, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anne-Mette Lebech
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Lars Lindquist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Iwona Paradowska-Stankiewicz
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health, National Institute of Hygiene—National Research Institute, 00791 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Srđan Roglić
- University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Mirogojska 8, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (R.Č.); (S.R.)
- Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dita Smíšková
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 18081 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Franc Strle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Japljeva 2, 1525 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (S.K.); (O.V.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Virology and Immunology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, 00260 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nenad Vranješ
- Department for Research & Monitoring of Rabies & Other Zoonoses, Pasteur Institute Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Nataliya Vynograd
- Department of Epidemiology, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine;
| | - Joanna Maria Zajkowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Białystok, 15-540 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Andreas Pilz
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Andreas Palmborg
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 19138 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Wilhelm Erber
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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A Qualitative Risk Assessment for Bluetongue Disease and African Horse Sickness: The Risk of Entry and Exposure at a UK Zoo. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030502. [PMID: 35336912 PMCID: PMC8950286 DOI: 10.3390/v14030502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV) cause economically important diseases that are currently exotic to the United Kingdom (UK), but have significant potential for introduction and onward transmission. Given the susceptibility of animals kept in zoo collections to vector-borne diseases, a qualitative risk assessment for the introduction of BTV and AHSV to ZSL London Zoo was performed. Risk pathways for each virus were identified and assessed using published literature, animal import data and outputs from epidemiological models. Direct imports of infected animals, as well as wind-borne infected Culicoides, were considered as routes of incursion. The proximity of ongoing disease events in mainland Europe and proven capability of transmission to the UK places ZSL London Zoo at higher risk of BTV release and exposure (estimated as low to medium) than AHSV (estimated as very low to low). The recent long-range expansion of AHSV into Thailand from southern Africa highlights the need for vector competence studies of Palearctic Culicoides for AHSV to assess the risk of transmission in this region.
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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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Kleeb C, Golini L, Beckmann K, Torgerson P, Steffen F. Canine Tick-Borne Encephalitis: Clinical Features, Survival Rate and Neurological Sequelae: A Retrospective Study of 54 Cases (1999-2016). Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:782044. [PMID: 34859094 PMCID: PMC8631292 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.782044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most important infectious diseases of the central nervous system in dogs from endemic areas. While in humans survival rate and long-term outcomes are well described, these data are lacking in veterinary literature. The aim of the present paper is to characterize the clinical aspects of TBE and to investigate fatality rate, long-term outcome and the long-term neurological sequelae in a population of dogs infected with TBE. We performed a retrospective analysis of 54 dogs diagnosed with TBE at the veterinary hospital of the University of Zurich between 1999 and 2016. Medical data such as signalment, clinical presentation, results of diagnostic procedures, treatment and outcome were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis including a cox proportional hazard model using a backward stepwise regression approach was performed. In 62% of the TBE cases unspecific signs were described before the onset of neurological signs, resembling a biphasic appearance that is well known in human TBE. Case fatality rate was 33% and all dogs died within the first 4 months after diagnosis. Long-term neurological sequalae were detected in 17% of the TBE cases. For each day of clinical signs before hospital entry the odds of sequalae increased by a factor of 1.88 (CI 1.04–3.15). Older dogs and dogs presented with seizure activity had an increased hazard risk of death (Hazard ration = 1.2, p = 0.03; and 9.38, p = 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, despite TBE being a life-threatening disease with severe clinical signs, the survival rate in our study was 67%. However, long-term sequalae can be of concern especially in dogs with longer clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kleeb
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Marigin Tierarztpraxis Farnenbüel, Eschenbach, Switzerland
| | - Lorenzo Golini
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Beckmann
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paul Torgerson
- Section of Veterinary Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Steffen
- Section of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Small Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Li X, Yang H, Han Y, Yin S, Shen B, Wu Y, Li W, Cao Z. Tick peptides evoke itch by activating MrgprC11/MRGPRX1 to sensitize TRPV1 in pruriceptors. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2020; 147:2236-2248.e16. [PMID: 33358893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.12.626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick bites severely threaten human health because they allow the transmission of many deadly pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths. Pruritus is a leading symptom of tick bites, but its molecular and neural bases remain elusive. OBJECTIVES This study sought to discover potent drugs and targets for the specific prevention and treatment of tick bite-induced pruritus and arthropod-related itch. METHODS We used live-cell calcium imaging, patch-clamp recordings, and genetic ablation and evaluated mouse behavior to investigate the molecular and neural bases of tick bite-induced pruritus. RESULTS We found that 2 tick salivary peptides, IP defensin 1 (IPDef1) and IR defensin 2 (IRDef2), induced itch in mice. IPDef1 was further revealed to have a stronger pruritogenic potential than IRDef2 and to induce pruritus in a histamine-independent manner. IPDef1 evoked itch by activating mouse MrgprC11 and human MRGPRX1 on dorsal root ganglion neurons. IPDef1-activated MrgprC11/X1 signaling sensitized downstream ion channel TRPV1 on dorsal root ganglion neurons. Moreover, IPDef1 also activated mouse MrgprB2 and its ortholog human MRGPRX2 selectively expressed on mast cells, inducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and driving acute inflammation in mice, although mast cell activation did not contribute to oxidated IPDef1-induced itch. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies tick salivary peptides as a new class of pruritogens that initiate itch through MrgprC11/X1-TRPV1 signaling in pruritoceptors. Our work will provide potential drug targets for the prevention and treatment of pruritus induced by the bites or stings of tick and maybe other arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuewen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shijin Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingzheng Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Engineering and Technology Research, Center for Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Tick-Borne Encephalitis: A Differential Pattern of Intrathecal Humoral Immune Response and Inflammatory Cell Composition Compared with Other Viral CNS Infections. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102169. [PMID: 32992967 PMCID: PMC7599799 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether and how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings can contribute to distinguish tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) from herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) induced central nervous system (CNS) infections (HSV-I, VZV-I). Chart review and identification of TBE, HSV- I, and VZV-I was carried out, fulfilling the following criteria: (1) clinical signs of encephalitis and/or meningitis, (2) complete CSF analysis and confirmed viral etiology by either PCR or antibody testing in CSF, (3) hospitalized patients, and (4) available brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fifty-nine patients with 118 CSF/serum pairs were included. These comprised 21 with TBE (35 CSF/serum pairs), 20 (40 CSF/serum pairs) with HSV-I, and 18 (43 CSF/serum pairs) with VZV-I. In contrast to HSV-I and VZV-I, CSF cell differentiation in TBE showed more often an increased (>20%) proportion of granulocytes (p < 0.01) and a more frequent quantitative intrathecal IgM synthesis (p = 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), while the second was even more pronounced when follow-up CSF analyses were included (p < 0.001). CSF findings help to distinguish TBE from other viral infections. In cases with CSF pleocytosis and a positive history for a stay in or near an endemic area, TBE antibodies in CSF and serum should be determined, especially if granulocytes in CSF cell differentiation and/or an intrathecal IgM synthesis is present.
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