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Parsadanians A, Mirshahabi H, Yavarmanesh M. First detection of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw milk samples in North-Western Iran. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1477. [PMID: 38896036 PMCID: PMC11186114 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a significant cause of flaviviral infections affecting the human central nervous system, primarily transmitted through tick bites and the consumption of unpasteurized milk. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TBEV and identify new natural foci of TBEV in livestock milk. In this cross-sectional study, unpasteurized milk samples were collected from livestock reared on farms and analysed for the presence and subtyping of TBEV using nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction , alongside the detection of anti-TBEV total IgG antibodies using ELISA. The findings revealed that the highest prevalence of TBEV was observed in goat and sheep milk combined, whereas no TBEV was detected in cow milk samples. All identified strains were of the Siberian subtype. Moreover, the highest prevalence of anti-TBEV antibodies was detected in sheep milk. These results uncover new foci of TBEV in Iran, underscoring the importance of thermal processing (pasteurization) of milk prior to consumption to mitigate the risk of TBEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angineh Parsadanians
- Department of Microbiology and VirologyFaculty of MedicineZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
| | - Hessam Mirshahabi
- Department of Microbiology and VirologyFaculty of MedicineZanjan University of Medical SciencesZanjanIran
| | - Masoud Yavarmanesh
- Department of Food Science and TechnologyFaculty of AgricultureFerdowsi University of MashhadMashhadIran
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Scaggiante R, Guadagni L, Orso M, d'Angela D, Carrieri C, Polistena B, Spandonaro F, Bertoldi I, Pilz A, Schley K, Iantomasi R. Incidence, healthcare resource utilization and costs of hospitalized patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102372. [PMID: 38917767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102372] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study's objective was to assess the incidence trends and healthcare resource utilization of hospitalizations for Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) and associated costs in Italy in order to improve public awareness and preventive measures. METHODS This retrospective observational study was based on the Italian Ministry of Health's Hospital Discharge Record (HDR) database. Data were gathered across Italy from 2015 to 2019, selecting hospitalizations with ICD-9 code 063 related to TBE, both in primary and secondary diagnoses. For each year, we collected the following variables: number of hospitalizations, hospitalization rate, mortality rate, mean length of hospital stay, hospital ward, and cost of hospitalization. RESULTS There were a total of 237 hospitalizations from 2015 to 2019; 62 % of those were male. The lowest number of TBE hospitalizations was in 2015 (21 cases, corresponding to 0.35 per million inhabitants), the highest in 2019 (64 cases, 1.04 per million inhabitants). The summer months saw a greater than average number of hospitalizations. For the years analyzed, the cumulative number of cases peaked in June (54 cases), July (46 cases), and August (35 cases). There were only two deaths registered in our study sample. TBE cases were mostly localized in the North-Eastern regions of Italy. TBE incidence during the study period in the most affected areas were: Autonomous Province of Trento, ranging from 11.2 to 42.3 per million inhabitants, Autonomous Province of South Tyrol, from 0 to 21.1 per million inhabitants, and Veneto Region, from 2.6 to 4.5 per million inhabitants. In the study period, the average length of hospital stay was largely stable ranging from 10.6 days to 12.8 days, with related costs ranging from 5,813.7 € to 7,352.5 €. CONCLUSIONS According to our data, the majority of TBE hospitalizations occur in North-East Italy with an increasing trend over the analyzed period. Even though Italy has fewer TBE cases than other neighboring European countries, the health and economic impact can be high in the affected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liliana Guadagni
- Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Orso
- C.R.E.A. Sanità (Centre for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniela d'Angela
- C.R.E.A. Sanità (Centre for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Rome, Italy; University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ciro Carrieri
- C.R.E.A. Sanità (Centre for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Rome, Italy; University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Polistena
- C.R.E.A. Sanità (Centre for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Rome, Italy; University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Spandonaro
- C.R.E.A. Sanità (Centre for Applied Economic Research in Healthcare), Rome, Italy; University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Domnich A, Ferrari A, Ogliastro M, Orsi A, Icardi G. Web search volume as a near-real-time complementary surveillance tool of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102332. [PMID: 38484539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102332] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The Internet is an important gateway for accessing health-related information, and data generated through web queries have been increasingly used as a complementary source for monitoring and forecasting of infectious diseases and they may partially address the issue of underreporting. In this study, we assessed whether tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)-related Internet search volume may be useful as a complementary tool for TBE surveillance in Italy. Monthly Google Trends (GT) data for TBE-related information were extracted for the period between January 2017 and September 2022, corresponding to the available time series of TBE notifications in Italy. Time series modeling was performed by applying seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) models with or without GT data. The search terms relative to tick bites reflected best the observed temporal distribution of TBE cases, showing a correlation coefficient of 0.81 (95 % CI: 0.71-0.88). Particularly, both the reported number of TBE cases and GT searches occurred mainly during the summer. The peak of disease notifications coincided with that of Google searches in 4 of 6 years. Once calibrated, SARIMA models with or without GT data were applied to a validation set. Retrospective forecast made by the model with GT data was associated with a lower prediction error and accurately predicted the peak timing. By contrast, the traditional SARIMA model underestimated the actual number of TBE notifications by 65 %. Timeliness, easy availability, low cost and transparency make monitoring of the TBE-related Internet search queries a promising addition to the traditional methods of TBE surveillance in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Domnich
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Allegra Ferrari
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Orsi
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Icardi
- Hygiene Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS for Oncology and Neurosciences, Genoa, Italy; Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Melis S, Batisti Biffignandi G, Olivieri E, Galon C, Vicari N, Prati P, Moutailler S, Sassera D, Castelli M. High-throughput screening of pathogens in Ixodes ricinus removed from hosts in Lombardy, northern Italy. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102285. [PMID: 38035456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102285] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens in Europe, where the most impactful species is Ixodes ricinus. Recently, the geographical distribution of this tick species has been expanding, resulting in an increased risk of human exposure to tick bites. With the present study, we aimed to screen 350 I. ricinus specimens collected from humans and wild animals (mainly ungulates), to have a broader understanding of the tick-borne pathogens circulating in the Lombardy region, in northern Italy. To do so, we took advantage of a high-throughput real-time microfluidic PCR approach to screen ticks in a cost-effective and time-saving manner. Molecular analysis of the dataset revealed the presence of four genera of bacteria and two genera of protozoa: in ungulates, 77 % of collected ticks carried Anaplasma phagocytophilum, while the most common pathogen species in ticks removed from humans were those belonging to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group (7.6 %). We also detected other pathogenic microorganisms, such as Rickettisa monacensis, Rickettsia helvetica, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Babesia venatorum, and Hepatozoon martis. Besides, we also reported the presence of the pathogenic agent Borrelia miyamotoi in the area (1.4 % overall). The most common dual co-infection detected in the same tick individual involved A. phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. Our study provided evidence of the circulation of different tick-borne pathogens in a densely populated region in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Melis
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Olivieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Clémence Galon
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Nadia Vicari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Prati
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, F-94700, France
| | - Davide Sassera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Pavia Italy
| | - Michele Castelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Riccò M, Corrado S, Marchesi F, Bottazzoli M. Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Vaccination among Tourists in a High-Prevalence Area (Italy, 2023): A Cross-Sectional Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:491. [PMID: 37999610 PMCID: PMC10674593 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8110491] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) represents a potential health threat for tourists in high-risk areas, including the Dolomite Mountains in northeastern Italy. The present questionnaire-based survey was, therefore, designed in order to assess knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) in a convenience sample of Italian tourists visiting the Dolomite Mountains, who were recruited through online discussion groups. A total of 942 participants (39.2% males, with 60.2% aged under 50) filled in the anonymous survey from 28 March 2023 to 20 June 2023. Overall, 24.1% of participants were vaccinated against TBE; 13.8% claimed to have previously had tick bites, but no cases of TBE were reported. The general understanding of TBE was relatively low; while 79.9% of participants acknowledged TBE as a potentially severe disease, its occurrence was acknowledged as high/rather high or very high in the Dolomites area by only 51.6% of respondents. Factors associated with the TBE vaccine were assessed by the calculation of adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals through a logistic regression analysis model. Living in areas considered at high risk for TBE (aOR 3.010, 95%CI 2.062-4.394), better knowledge on tick-borne disorders (aOR 1.515, 95%CI 1.071-2.142), high risk perception regarding tick-borne infections (aOR 2.566, 95%CI 1.806-3.646), a favorable attitude toward vaccinations (aOR 3.824, 95%CI 1.774-8.224), and a tick bite(s) in a previous season (aOR 5.479, 95%CI 3.582-8.382) were characterized as being positively associated with TBE vaccination uptake. Conversely, being <50 years old (aOR 0.646, 95%CI, 0.458-0.913) and with a higher risk perception regarding the TBE vaccine (aOR 0.541, 95%CI 0.379-0.772) were identified as the main barriers to vaccination. In summary, tourists to the high-risk area of the Dolomites largely underestimate the potential occurrence of TBE. Even though the uptake of the TBE vaccine in this research was in line with European data, public health communication on TBE is required in order to improve acceptance of this effective preventive option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplace/Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Department of Public Health, AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Corrado
- ASST Rhodense, Dipartimento della donna e Area Materno-Infantile, UOC Pediatria, 20024 Garbagnate Milanese, Italy;
| | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Marco Bottazzoli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, APSS Trento, 31223 Trento, Italy;
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Riccò M, Baldassarre A, Corrado S, Bottazzoli M, Marchesi F. Seroprevalence of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Occupational Settings: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:452. [PMID: 37755913 PMCID: PMC10538165 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090452] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) Virus can cause a serious human disease, with the case fatality ratio previously estimated to be 30-40%. Our study summarized seroprevalence data from occupational settings, focusing on the following occupational groups: animal handlers, abattoir workers, farmers, healthcare workers, veterinarians, rangers, and hunters. Systematic research was performed on three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MedRxiv), and all studies reporting seroprevalence rates (IgG-positive status) for CCHF virus were retrieved and their results were reported, summarized, and compared. We identified a total of 33 articles, including a total of 20,195 samples, i.e., 13,197 workers from index occupational groups and 6998 individuals from the general population. Pooled seroprevalence rates ranged from 4.751% (95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 1.834 to 11.702) among animal handlers, to 3.403% (95% CI 2.44 to 3.932) for farmers, 2.737% (95% CI 0.896 to 8.054) among rangers and hunters, 1.900% (95% CI 0.738 to 4.808) for abattoir workers, and 0.644% (95% CI 0.223-1.849) for healthcare workers, with the lowest estimate found in veterinarians (0.283%, 95% CI 0.040-1.977). Seroprevalence rates for abattoir workers (odds ratio (OR) 4.198, 95% CI 1.060-16.464), animal handlers (OR 2.399, 95% CI 1.318-4.369), and farmers (OR 2.280, 95% CI 1.419 to 3.662) largely exceeded the official notification rates for CCHF in the general population. CCHF is reasonably underreported, and pooled estimates stress the importance of improving the adherence to personal protective equipment use and appropriate preventive habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Local Health Unit of Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Antonio Baldassarre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Silvia Corrado
- ASST Rhodense, Dipartimento della donna e Area Materno-Infantile, UOC Pediatria, 20024 Garbagnate Milanese, Italy;
| | - Marco Bottazzoli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, APSS Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy;
| | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
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Parfut A, Laugel E, Baer S, Gonzalez G, Hansmann Y, Wendling MJ, Fafi-Kremer S, Velay A. Tick-borne encephalitis in pediatrics: An often overlooked diagnosis. Infect Dis Now 2023; 53:104645. [PMID: 36642097 DOI: 10.1016/j.idnow.2023.01.005] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a vector-borne disease caused by a flavivirus, the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and transmitted by the bite of infected Ixodes ricinus ticks. The European subtype (TBEV-Eu) is endemic in 27 European countries. During the last decade, increased TBE incidence was observed in many countries, including some of those believed to be of low endemicity/devoid of TBEV circulation. However, data dealing with TBE in children are far less profuse than with adults. Historically, children are known to have mild TBEV infection with favorable outcomes. That said, recent case reports and observational studies on pediatric cohorts have challenged this point of view. Like adults, children may present severe forms and fail to completely recover following TBE infection, at times leading to long-term cognitive impairment. In this review, we comprehensively describe the incidence, exposure factors, and transmission routes of TBEV in children, as well as the clinical and biological manifestations of TBE and imaging findings in this population. We also harness new data on long-term outcomes and sequelae in pediatric cohorts. Finally, we provide an overview of vaccination recommendations for children in European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assilina Parfut
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
| | - Elodie Laugel
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, F-67000, France; INSERM, UMR_S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sarah Baer
- CHU de Strasbourg, Service de Pédiatrie Spécialisée et Générale, Unité de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gaëlle Gonzalez
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR VIROLOGIE, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Yves Hansmann
- CHU de Strasbourg, Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Josée Wendling
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
| | - Samira Fafi-Kremer
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, F-67000, France; INSERM, UMR_S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Aurélie Velay
- Virology Laboratory, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, F-67000, France; INSERM, UMR_S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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Rossi B, Barreca F, Benvenuto D, Braccialarghe N, Campogiani L, Lodi A, Aguglia C, Cavasio RA, Giacalone ML, Kontogiannis D, Moccione M, Malagnino V, Andreoni M, Sarmati L, Iannetta M. Human Arboviral Infections in Italy: Past, Current, and Future Challenges. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020368. [PMID: 36851582 PMCID: PMC9963149 DOI: 10.3390/v15020368] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses represent a public health concern in many European countries, including Italy, mostly because they can infect humans, causing potentially severe emergent or re-emergent diseases, with epidemic outbreaks and the introduction of endemic circulation of new species previously confined to tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this review, we summarize the Italian epidemiology of arboviral infection over the past 10 years, describing both endemic and imported arboviral infections, vector distribution, and the influence of climate change on vector ecology. Strengthening surveillance systems at a national and international level is highly recommended to be prepared to face potential threats due to arbovirus diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Rossi
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Barreca
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Benvenuto
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Neva Braccialarghe
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Campogiani
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lodi
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Aguglia
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Laura Giacalone
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitra Kontogiannis
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Moccione
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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The Prevalence of Asymptomatic Infections with Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Attitude towards Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine in the Endemic Area of Northeastern Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081294. [PMID: 36016182 PMCID: PMC9412675 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In Poland, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination rate is low despite high incidence of severe infections with TBE virus (TBEV). However, infection with TBEV can be asymptomatic or mild, which makes the total number of cases difficult to assess. We aimed at assessing asymptomatic TBEV infections and describing attitudes towards the TBE vaccine. We studied 298 healthy adult blood donors and 180 children from the TBE endemic area of northeastern Poland for the presence of anti-TBEV IgG antibodies. We also surveyed a separate cohort of 444 adults. Thirty-eight blood donors (13%) and 38 survey respondents (9%) reported a history of a prior anti-TBEV vaccination. Forty respondents (9%) reported vaccinating their child in the past. Fourteen unvaccinated blood donors (5%) and four children (2%) were seropositive for specific anti-TBEV antibodies, suggesting a history of an undiagnosed TBEV infection. In the surveyed cohort, 130 (32%) expressed their intention to be vaccinated and 144 (36%) expressed their intention to vaccinate their child. This intention was significantly higher in respondents with a recent tick-bite, a diagnosis of tick-borne disease in a close relative, and in males. Our study shows that asymptomatic TBEV infections are common. The acceptance of TBE vaccine is low, but might be increased by communicating risks associated with tick bites.
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