1
|
Kelly PH, Zhang P, Dobler G, Halsby K, Angulo FJ, Pilz A, Madhava H, Moïsi JC. Global Seroprevalence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Antibodies in Humans, 1956-2022: A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:854. [PMID: 39203981 PMCID: PMC11360530 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12080854] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccines, the incidence of TBE is increasing. To understand the historical patterns of infection, we conducted a global meta-analysis of studies before December 2023 reporting human antibody prevalence against TBEV (TBE virus) among general or high-risk population groups stratified by country, collection year, serological method, and vaccination status. Pooled data were compared within groups over time by random-effects modeling. In total, 2403 articles were retrieved; 130 articles published since 1959 were included. Data were extracted from 96 general populations (117,620 participants) and 71 high-risk populations (53,986 participants) across 33 countries. Germany had the most population groups (21), and Poland had the most participants (44,688). Seven serological methods were used; conventional IgG/IgM ELISAs were the most common (44%). Four studies (1.7%) used NS1-ELISA serology. Between 1956-1991 and 1992-2022, anti-TBEV seroprevalence remained at ~2.75% across all population groups from "high-risk" areas (p = 0.458) but decreased within general populations (1.7% to 1%; p = 0.001) and high-risk populations (5.1% to 1.3%; p < 0.001), possibly due to differences in the study methodologies between periods. This global summary explores how serological methods can be used to assess TBE vaccination coverage and potential exposure to TBEV or measure TBE burden and highlights the need for standardized methodology when conducting TBE seroprevalence studies to compare across populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H. Kelly
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer US Commercial Division, New York, NY 10001-2192, USA;
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Medical Affairs Evidence Generation Statistics, Pfizer Global Product Development Group, Collegeville, PA 19426-3982, USA;
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute for Microbiology, National TBEV Consultant Laboratory, 80937 Munchen, Germany;
| | - Kate Halsby
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Tadworth KT20 7NS, UK; (K.H.); (H.M.)
| | - Frederick J. Angulo
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer US Commercial Division, New York, NY 10001-2192, USA;
| | - Andreas Pilz
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Biopharma Group, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Harish Madhava
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Biopharma Group, Tadworth KT20 7NS, UK; (K.H.); (H.M.)
| | - Jennifer C. Moïsi
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Biopharma Group, 75014 Paris, France;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yonekawa M, Watanabe T, Kogawara O, Yoshii C, Yamaji M, Aizawa M, Erber W, Ito S, Jug B, Koelch D, de Solom R, Lockhart SP. Phase 3 immunogenicity and safety study of a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine in healthy Japanese participants 1 year of age and older. Vaccine 2024; 42:3180-3189. [PMID: 38614954 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.071] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus infects the central nervous system and may lead to severe neurological complications or death. This study assessed immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of TBE vaccine in Japanese participants 1 year of age and older. METHODS This phase 3, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study was conducted in Japanese adult (≥ 16 years) and pediatric (1-< 16 years) populations. Participants received a single 0.5-mL (adult) or 0.25-mL (pediatric) dose of TBE vaccine at each of 3 visits. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants who were seropositive (neutralization test [NT] titer ≥ 1:10) 4 weeks after Dose 3. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included NT seropositivity rates 4 weeks after Dose 2, immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositivity 4 weeks after Doses 2 and 3, NT geometric mean titers (GMTs), IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs), and geometric mean fold rises. Primary safety endpoints were frequencies of local reactions, systemic events, adverse events (AEs), and serious AEs. RESULTS Among 100 adult and 65 pediatric participants, 99.0 % and 100.0 % completed the study, respectively. NT seropositivity was achieved in 98.0 % adult and 100.0 % pediatric participants after Dose 3; seropositivity after Dose 2 was 93.0 % and 92.3 %, respectively. In both age groups, IgG seropositivity was ≥ 90.0 % and ≥ 96.0 % after Doses 2 and 3, respectively; GMTs and GMCs were highest 4 weeks after Dose 3. Reactogenicity events were generally mild to moderate in severity and short-lived. AEs were reported by 15.0 % (adult) and 43.1 % (pediatric) of participants. No life-threatening AEs, AEs leading to discontinuation, immediate AEs, related AEs, or deaths were reported. No serious AEs were considered related to TBE vaccine. CONCLUSIONS TBE vaccine elicited robust immune responses in Japanese participants 1 year of age and older. The 3-dose regimen was safe and well tolerated, and findings were consistent with the known safety profile of this TBE vaccine. CLINICALTRIALS gov: NCT04648241.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tohru Watanabe
- Watanabe Pediatric Allergy Clinic, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Wilhelm Erber
- Medical Development and Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shuhei Ito
- Vaccine Medical Affairs, Pfizer Japan Inc, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bogdan Jug
- QC Logistics, Pfizer Manufacturing Austria GmbH, Orth an der Donau, Austria
| | - Doris Koelch
- Vaccines Analytical Development, Pfizer, Orth, Austria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
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
Collapse
|
4
|
Piamonte BLC, Easton A, Wood GK, Davies NWS, Granerod J, Michael BD, Solomon T, Thakur KT. Addressing vaccine-preventable encephalitis in vulnerable populations. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:185-197. [PMID: 37078664 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vaccinations have been pivotal in lowering the global disease burden of vaccine-preventable encephalitides, including Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, measles encephalitis, and rabies encephalitis, among others. RECENT FINDINGS Populations vulnerable to vaccine-preventable infections that may lead to encephalitis include those living in endemic and rural areas, military members, migrants, refugees, international travelers, younger and older persons, pregnant women, the immunocompromised, outdoor, healthcare and laboratory workers, and the homeless. There is scope for improving the availability and distribution of vaccinations, vaccine equity, surveillance of vaccine-preventable encephalitides, and public education and information. SUMMARY Addressing these gaps in vaccination strategies will allow for improved vaccination coverage and lead to better health outcomes for those most at risk for vaccine-preventable encephalitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernadeth Lyn C Piamonte
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ava Easton
- The Encephalitis Society, Malton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
| | - Greta K Wood
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infection, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
| | - Nicholas W S Davies
- The Encephalitis Society, Malton
- Department of Neurology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, NHS Trust
| | - Julia Granerod
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
- Dr JGW Consulting Ltd., London
| | - Benedict D Michael
- The Encephalitis Society, Malton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infection, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Tom Solomon
- The Encephalitis Society, Malton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology, and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infection, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
- Department of Neurology, The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust
- Department of Neurological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kiran T Thakur
- The Encephalitis Society, Malton
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Tick-Borne Diseases within Professionally Tick-Exposed Persons, Health Care Workers, and General Population in Serbia: A Questionnaire-Based Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020867. [PMID: 35055686 PMCID: PMC8775684 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) among different groups of people in Serbia. Professionally tick-exposed persons (PTEPs), health care workers (HCWs), and the general population (GP) were subjected to an anonymous, voluntary, online questionnaire using Microsoft Forms. A total of 663 questionnaire responses were collected (February–March 2021), while 642 were included in the analysis. The significant difference in knowledge in TBDs existed between GP and PTEPs, and HCWs (p < 0.001). The perception of risk-to-tick exposure and TBDs was generally high (42.4 (95% CI: 33.6–51.2) within GP, 44.9 (95% CI: 35.8–53.9) within PTEPs and 46.2 (95% CI: 38.0–54.5) within HCWs), while fear was low (13.7 (95% CI: 7.9–19.5) within GP, 12.6 (95% CI: 7.3–19.9) within PTEPs, and 13.5 (95% CI: 7.4–19.5) within HCWs). Protective practices differed across groups (F (2639) = 12.920, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.039), with both PTEPs (t = 3.621, Cohen d = 0.332, p < 0.001) and HCWs (t = 4.644, Cohen d = 0.468, p < 0.001) adhering to more protective practices than the GP, without differences between PTEPs and HCWs (t = 1.256, Cohen d = 0.137, p = 0.421). Further education about TBDs in Serbia is required and critical points were identified in this study.
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Stefanoff P, Rubikowska B, Bratkowski J, Ustrnul Z, Vanwambeke SO, Rosinska M. A Predictive Model Has Identified Tick-Borne Encephalitis High-Risk Areas in Regions Where No Cases Were Reported Previously, Poland, 1999-2012. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E677. [PMID: 29617333 PMCID: PMC5923719 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
During 1999–2012, 77% of the cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) were recorded in two out of 16 Polish provinces. However, historical data, mostly from national serosurveys, suggest that the disease could be undetected in many areas. The aim of this study was to identify which routinely-measured meteorological, environmental, and socio-economic factors are associated to TBE human risk across Poland, with a particular focus on areas reporting few cases, but where serosurveys suggest higher incidence. We fitted a zero-inflated Poisson model using data on TBE incidence recorded in 108 NUTS-5 administrative units in high-risk areas over the period 1999–2012. Subsequently we applied the best fitting model to all Polish municipalities. Keeping the remaining variables constant, the predicted rate increased with the increase of air temperature over the previous 10–20 days, precipitation over the previous 20–30 days, in forestation, forest edge density, forest road density, and unemployment. The predicted rate decreased with increasing distance from forests. The map of predicted rates was consistent with the established risk areas. It predicted, however, high rates in provinces considered TBE-free. We recommend raising awareness among physicians working in the predicted high-risk areas and considering routine use of household animal surveys for risk mapping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Stefanoff
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Barbara Rubikowska
- Department of Population Health Monitoring and Analysis, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jakub Bratkowski
- Institute of Environmental Protection—National Research Institute (IOS—PIB), 00-548 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Ustrnul
- Department of Climatology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
- Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, 30-215 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Sophie O Vanwambeke
- Georges Lemaître Centre for Earth and Climate Research, Earth & Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Magdalena Rosinska
- Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance, National Institute of Public Health-National Institute of Hygiene, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sun RX, Lai SJ, Yang Y, Li XL, Liu K, Yao HW, Zhou H, Li Y, Wang LP, Mu D, Yin WW, Fang LQ, Yu HJ, Cao WC. Mapping the distribution of tick-borne encephalitis in mainland China. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:631-639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
12
|
Zielicka-Hardy A, Rosińska M, Kondrusik M, Hlebowicz M, Konior R, Stefanoff P. Predictors for diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis infection in Poland, 2009–2010. Infect Dis (Lond) 2015; 47:604-10. [DOI: 10.3109/23744235.2015.1042036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
13
|
Cuber P, Andreassen Å, Vainio K, Asman M, Dudman S, Szilman P, Szilman E, Ottesen P, Ånestad G, Cieśla-Nobis S, Solarz K. Risk of exposure to ticks (Ixodidae) and the prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks in Southern Poland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:356-63. [PMID: 25838177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The article presents the results of the first study on seasonal activity of ticks and prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in nymphs from the Silesian Province (Southern Poland). Previous studies on the prevalence of TBEV in ticks in Poland have been conducted mostly in northern and eastern regions, but none in the Silesian Province itself. The aims of this study were to analyse the seasonal variation in tick populations and compare TBEV prevalence in nymphs from different geographical locations in the Silesia. A total of 5160 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected by the flagging method from 23 localities in southern Poland in 2010. Micro-climatic parameters (air temperature and humidity) were measured in order to estimate their influence on tick population. The highest tick activity was recorded in spring and was positively correlated with relative air humidity (RH). TBEV in the Silesian Province was analysed in 1750 nymphs and an overall prevalence was 0.11% (2 pools out of 175 analysed). The results of this study show that TBEV pool prevalence in nymphs is low in accordance with the low number of TBE cases reported within the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Cuber
- Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, School of Pharmacy, Department of Parasitology, ul. Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Åshild Andreassen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Virology, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kirsti Vainio
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Virology, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Marek Asman
- Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, School of Pharmacy, Department of Parasitology, ul. Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Susanne Dudman
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Virology, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Piotr Szilman
- Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, School of Pharmacy, Department of Parasitology, ul. Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Ewa Szilman
- Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, School of Pharmacy, Department of Parasitology, ul. Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Preben Ottesen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Pest Control, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Gabriel Ånestad
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Virology, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Sabina Cieśla-Nobis
- Silesian ZOO, Department of Birds, Promenada Gen. Jerzego Ziętka 7, 41-501 Chorzów, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Solarz
- Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, School of Pharmacy, Department of Parasitology, ul. Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kazarina A, Japiņa K, Keišs O, Salmane I, Bandere D, Capligina V, Ranka R. Detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus in I. ricinus ticks collected from autumn migratory birds in Latvia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 6:178-80. [PMID: 25534819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Birds have a potential of spreading ticks via bird migration routes. In this study, we screened 170 ticks removed during autumn 2010 from 55 birds belonging to 10 species for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In total, TBEV RNA was detected in 14% of I. ricinus tick samples obtained from different birds species. The results of this study indicate the possible role of migrating birds in the dispersal of TBEV-infected ticks along the southward migration route.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Kazarina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Kristīne Japiņa
- Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema Street 16, Riga LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Oskars Keišs
- Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, Miera Street 3, Salaspils LV-2169, Latvia
| | - Ineta Salmane
- Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, Miera Street 3, Salaspils LV-2169, Latvia
| | - Dace Bandere
- Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema Street 16, Riga LV-1007, Latvia
| | - Valentina Capligina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Renāte Ranka
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia; Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema Street 16, Riga LV-1007, Latvia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rizzoli A, Silaghi C, Obiegala A, Rudolf I, Hubálek Z, Földvári G, Plantard O, Vayssier-Taussat M, Bonnet S, Spitalská E, Kazimírová M. Ixodes ricinus and Its Transmitted Pathogens in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Europe: New Hazards and Relevance for Public Health. Front Public Health 2014; 2:251. [PMID: 25520947 PMCID: PMC4248671 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases represent major public and animal health issues worldwide. Ixodes ricinus, primarily associated with deciduous and mixed forests, is the principal vector of causative agents of viral, bacterial, and protozoan zoonotic diseases in Europe. Recently, abundant tick populations have been observed in European urban green areas, which are of public health relevance due to the exposure of humans and domesticated animals to potentially infected ticks. In urban habitats, small and medium-sized mammals, birds, companion animals (dogs and cats), and larger mammals (roe deer and wild boar) play a role in maintenance of tick populations and as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens. Presence of ticks infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus and high prevalence of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., causing Lyme borreliosis, have been reported from urbanized areas in Europe. Emerging pathogens, including bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis," Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis), Borrelia miyamotoi, and protozoans (Babesia divergens, B. venatorum, and B. microti) have also been detected in urban tick populations. Understanding the ecology of ticks and their associations with hosts in a European urbanized environment is crucial to quantify parameters necessary for risk pre-assessment and identification of public health strategies for control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, San Michele all'Adige , Trento , Italy
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Vetsuisse-Faculty, Swiss National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Olivier Plantard
- INRA, UMR1300 BioEpAR , Nantes , France ; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR BioEpAR , Nantes , France
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Sarah Bonnet
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Eva Spitalská
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
| | - Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Prevalence of antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus in wild game from Saxony, Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:805-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
17
|
Drelich A, Andreassen Å, Vainio K, Kruszyński P, Wąsik TJ. Prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in a highly urbanized and low risk area in Southern Poland. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:663-7. [PMID: 25108791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge of the exact distribution of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) endemic foci is crucial to plan and implement the optimal prevention of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), including a vaccination program. In Poland, however, there is still no data on the local distribution of TBEV in many areas of the country. Silesian agglomeration area (Southern Poland) is a highly urbanized and industrialized region of the country, where TBE cases are only sporadically recorded. In this study, a total of 4350 adult Ixodes ricinus were collected between September 2010 and June 2012 at twelve locations. The screening using real-time PCR was carried out on 854 tick pools of five specimens, and the positive pools were verified by pyrosequencing. TBEV was identified in 13 pools (1.52%) at 4 sites, of which 9 pools were verified by pyrosequencing. An overall pool prevalence was estimated at 0.31% ranging from 0.19% to 1.11% for positive locations [95% CI 0.16-0.52], which is comparable with regions with high number of TBE cases reported annually.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Drelich
- Department and Institute of Microbiology and Virology, The School of Pharmacy and Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Åshild Andreassen
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsti Vainio
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Virology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Piotr Kruszyński
- Department and Institute of Microbiology and Virology, The School of Pharmacy and Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Tomasz J Wąsik
- Department and Institute of Microbiology and Virology, The School of Pharmacy and Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rizzoli A, Silaghi C, Obiegala A, Rudolf I, Hubálek Z, Földvári G, Plantard O, Vayssier-Taussat M, Bonnet S, Spitalská E, Kazimírová M. Ixodes ricinus and Its Transmitted Pathogens in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Europe: New Hazards and Relevance for Public Health. Front Public Health 2014. [PMID: 25520947 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2014.00251.pmid:25520947;pmcid:pmc4248671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases represent major public and animal health issues worldwide. Ixodes ricinus, primarily associated with deciduous and mixed forests, is the principal vector of causative agents of viral, bacterial, and protozoan zoonotic diseases in Europe. Recently, abundant tick populations have been observed in European urban green areas, which are of public health relevance due to the exposure of humans and domesticated animals to potentially infected ticks. In urban habitats, small and medium-sized mammals, birds, companion animals (dogs and cats), and larger mammals (roe deer and wild boar) play a role in maintenance of tick populations and as reservoirs of tick-borne pathogens. Presence of ticks infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus and high prevalence of ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., causing Lyme borreliosis, have been reported from urbanized areas in Europe. Emerging pathogens, including bacteria of the order Rickettsiales (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis," Rickettsia helvetica, and R. monacensis), Borrelia miyamotoi, and protozoans (Babesia divergens, B. venatorum, and B. microti) have also been detected in urban tick populations. Understanding the ecology of ticks and their associations with hosts in a European urbanized environment is crucial to quantify parameters necessary for risk pre-assessment and identification of public health strategies for control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, San Michele all'Adige , Trento , Italy
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Vetsuisse-Faculty, Swiss National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich , Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität , Munich , Germany ; Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i. , Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University , Budapest , Hungary
| | - Olivier Plantard
- INRA, UMR1300 BioEpAR , Nantes , France ; LUNAM Université, Oniris, Ecole nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique, UMR BioEpAR , Nantes , France
| | - Muriel Vayssier-Taussat
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Sarah Bonnet
- USC BIPAR, INRA, ANSES - French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety , Maisons-Alfort , France
| | - Eva Spitalská
- Institute of Virology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
| | - Mária Kazimírová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences , Bratislava , Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|