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Angulo FJ, Halsby K, Davidson A, Ravikumar S, Pilz A, Stark JH, Moïsi JC. Publicly available surveillance data on tick-borne encephalitis in Europe, 2023. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102388. [PMID: 39137541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102388] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) defines a case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) as an infection by the TBE virus (TBEV) with clinical manifestations of central nervous system inflammation (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis). To better understand the TBE surveillance landscape, online searches were conducted to determine if cases of TBE, TBEV infection, acute meningitis or encephalitis, or viral meningitis or encephalitis were subject to statutory reporting in European countries in 2023. In countries with statutory reporting, notification responsibility and available information on surveillance-reported cases were determined. The number of TBE cases reported to ECDC were compared with the number of cases recorded in national surveillance reports. Of 44 countries of the Europe Region of the United Nations, 37 (84 %) mandated statutory reporting of cases of TBE, TBEV infection, or acute/viral meningitis/encephalitis. Twenty-six (87 %) of 30 countries with identified surveillance reports recorded TBE cases in 2020-2023. Of these countries, 17 (65 %) required TBE reporting by clinicians and laboratories, 5 (19 %) by clinicians only, and 4 (15 %) by laboratories only. Twenty-four countries reported on TBE cases to ECDC in 2020; however, surveillance for TBE in Europe is heterogeneous. Standardization of TBE surveillance would enhance the understanding of TBE disease burden in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick J Angulo
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 500 Arcola Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA.
| | - Kate Halsby
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Davidson
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, New York, NY, USA
| | - Saiganesh Ravikumar
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 500 Arcola Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
| | - Andreas Pilz
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Vienna, Austria
| | - James H Stark
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer C Moïsi
- Vaccines and Antivirals Medical Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, Paris, France
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2
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Król N, Chitimia-Dobler L, Dobler G, Kiewra D, Czułowska A, Obiegala A, Zajkowska J, Juretzek T, Pfeffer M. Identification of New Microfoci and Genetic Characterization of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Isolates from Eastern Germany and Western Poland. Viruses 2024; 16:637. [PMID: 38675977 PMCID: PMC11055073 DOI: 10.3390/v16040637] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most important tick-borne viral disease in Eurasia, although effective vaccines are available. Caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV, syn. Orthoflavivirus encephalitidis), in Europe, it is transmitted by ticks like Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. TBEV circulates in natural foci, making it endemic to specific regions, such as southern Germany and northeastern Poland. Our study aimed to identify new TBEV natural foci and genetically characterize strains in ticks in previously nonendemic areas in Eastern Germany and Western Poland. (2) Methods: Ticks were collected from vegetation in areas reported by TBE patients. After identification, ticks were tested for TBEV in pools of a maximum of 10 specimens using real-time RT-PCR. From the positive TBEV samples, E genes were sequenced. (3) Results: Among 8400 ticks from 19 sites, I. ricinus (n = 4784; 56.9%) was predominant, followed by D. reticulatus (n = 3506; 41.7%), Haemaphysalis concinna (n = 108; 1.3%), and I. frontalis (n = 2; <0.1%). TBEV was detected in 19 pools originating in six sites. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that TBEV strains from Germany and Poland clustered with other German strains, as well as those from Finland and Estonia. (4) Conclusions: Although there are still only a few cases are reported from these areas, people spending much time outdoors should consider TBE vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany (M.P.)
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Clinical Center for Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute of Immunology, Infection and Pandemic Research, 80799 Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, 80937 Munich, Germany
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czułowska
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany (M.P.)
| | - Joanna Zajkowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University in Białystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Thomas Juretzek
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Carl-Thiem-Klinikum Cottbus gGmbH, 03048 Cottbus, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany (M.P.)
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Steininger P, Ensser A, Knöll A, Korn K. Results of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) Diagnostics in an Endemic Area in Southern Germany, 2007 to 2022. Viruses 2023; 15:2357. [PMID: 38140598 PMCID: PMC10748111 DOI: 10.3390/v15122357] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most important tick-transmitted neurotropic flavivirus in Europe and Asia. Our analysis aimed to investigate the contribution of TBEV-specific antibody detection by serological assays and TBEV RNA detection by real-time PCR to the diagnosis of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). We analyzed data from 3713 patients from 16 years of laboratory TBEV diagnostics in an endemic area in Southern Germany. During this period, 126 cases of TBE were diagnosed. TBEV-specific IgM ELISA tests showed a high clinical sensitivity (96.8%) and a very high clinical specificity (99.7%). In immunocompetent patients, TBE was reliably diagnosed by detection of TBEV IgM antibodies in serum. Intrathecal TBEV IgG antibody synthesis was detected in 46 of 84 (55%) cases by analysis of paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. None of the 87 immunocompetent TBE patients tested had detectable TBEV RNA in serum or CSF. In contrast, in two TBE patients without TBEV-specific antibodies, diagnosis could only be made by the detection of TBEV RNA in CSF. Both patients had previously been treated with the B cell-depleting antibody rituximab. Therefore, in patients with CNS infection and humoral immunodeficiency, it is necessary to include TBEV PCR in the diagnostic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Steininger
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.E.); (A.K.); (K.K.)
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Topp AK, Springer A, Mischke R, Rieder J, Feige K, Ganter M, Nagel-Kohl U, Nordhoff M, Boelke M, Becker S, Pachnicke S, Schunack B, Dobler G, Strube C. Seroprevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in wild and domestic animals in northern Germany. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102220. [PMID: 37356181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a tick-transmitted flavivirus, which can infect humans and animals, sometimes even with a fatal outcome. Since many decades, TBEV is endemic in southern Germany, while only sporadic occurrence has been noted in northern parts of the country so far. Nevertheless, autochthonous human clinical cases are increasing in the federal state of Lower Saxony in north-western Germany, and several natural foci of TBEV transmission have recently been detected in this federal state. In order to shed more light on the current distribution of TBEV in Lower Saxony, the present study examined blood samples from wild and domestic animals for antibodies against TBEV. Overall, samples from 4,085 animals were tested by ELISA, including wild boar (N = 1,208), roe deer (N = 149), red deer (N = 61), fallow deer (N = 18), red foxes (N = 9), nutria (N = 9), raccoon dogs (N = 3), raccoons (N = 3), badgers (N = 1), European pine martens (N = 1), horses (N = 574), sheep (N = 266), goats (N = 67), dogs (N = 1,317) and cats (N = 399). Samples with an ELISA result of ≥60 Vienna units (VIEU)/ml were subjected to confirmatory serum neutralization tests (SNT). In total, 343 of 4,085 (8.4%) animals tested positive for anti-TBEV-IgG by ELISA, of which 60 samples were confirmed by SNT. Samples of 89 animals showed a cytotoxic effect in the SNT and were excluded from seroprevalence calculation, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 1.5% (60/3,996). Seroprevalence was higher among wild animals (wild boar: 2.9% [34/1,190], roe deer: 2.7% [4/149], red deer: 1.7% [1/60], fallow deer: 5.6% [1/18]) than among domestic animals (dogs: 1.1% [15/1,317], horses: 0.8% [4/505], sheep: 0.4% [1/266]). No anti-TBEV-antibodies were detected in the other wild animal species as well as goats and cats. A notable clustering of positive samples was observed in districts where TBEV transmission foci have been described. Further clusters in other districts suggest the existence of so far undetected transmission foci, underlining the fact that both wild and domestic animals are useful sentinels for monitoring the spread of TBEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katharina Topp
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Reinhard Mischke
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Johanna Rieder
- Clinic for Small Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover 30173, Germany
| | - Uschi Nagel-Kohl
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Veterinary Institute Hannover, Hannover 30173, Germany
| | - Marcel Nordhoff
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Food and Veterinary Institute Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26133, Germany
| | - Matthias Boelke
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Stefanie Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Schunack
- Elanco Animal Health, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Monheim 40789, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich 80937, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, Hannover 30559, Germany.
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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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Körsten C, Vasić A, AL-Hosary AA, Tews BA, Răileanu C, Silaghi C, Schäfer M. Excretion Dynamics of Arboviruses in Mosquitoes and the Potential Use in Vector Competence Studies and Arbovirus Surveillance. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:410. [PMID: 37624347 PMCID: PMC10459540 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing threat of arboviruses such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) requires the fast and efficient surveillance of these viruses. The examination of mosquitoes takes up an important part; however, these investigations are usually very time-consuming. An alternative sample type for arbovirus surveillance might be mosquito excreta. In order to determine the excretion dynamics under laboratory conditions, laboratory colonies of Aedes vexans and Culex pipiens biotype molestus were infected with WNV, USUV or tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). After infection, the excreta were sampled and investigated for viral RNA. Excretion of viral RNA together with infectious blood meal could be detected up to five days after infection. Further excretion seemed to correlate with a disseminated infection in mosquitoes, at least after USUV infection. In addition, it could be determined that the amount of viral RNA in the excretions correlated positively with the viral load in the mosquito bodies. Overall, this study shows that the usage of mosquito excreta as a sample type for surveillance enables the detection of endemic viruses (WNV, USUV) as well as non-mosquito-borne viruses (TBEV). In addition, examination of viral shedding during vector competence studies can provide insights into the course of infection without sacrificing animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Körsten
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (C.K.)
| | - Ana Vasić
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (C.K.)
- Scientific Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Amira A. AL-Hosary
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (C.K.)
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Birke A. Tews
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (C.K.)
| | - Cristian Răileanu
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (C.K.)
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (C.K.)
| | - Mandy Schäfer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (C.K.)
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Bendl E, Fuchs J, Kochs G. Bourbon virus, a newly discovered zoonotic thogotovirus. J Gen Virol 2023; 104. [PMID: 37643129 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001887] [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] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent discovery of Bourbon virus (BRBV) put a new focus on the genus of thogotoviruses as zoonotic, tick-transmitted pathogens within the orthomyxovirus family. Since 2014, BRBV has been linked to several human cases in the Midwest United States with severe acute febrile illness and a history of tick bites. The detection of the virus in the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum, and a high sero-prevalence in wild animals suggest widespread circulation of BRBV. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral RNA genome classified BRBV into the subgroup of Dhori-like thogotoviruses. Strikingly, BRBV is apathogenic in mice, contrasting not only with the fatal disease in affected patients but also with the severe disease in mice caused by other members of the thogotovirus genus. To gain insights into this intriguing discrepancy, we will review the molecular biology and pathology of BRBV and its unique position within the thogotovirus genus. Lastly, we will discuss the zoonotic threat posed by this newly discovered pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Bendl
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Fuchs
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg Kochs
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 11, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Shah T, Li Q, Wang B, Baloch Z, Xia X. Geographical distribution and pathogenesis of ticks and tick-borne viral diseases. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1185829. [PMID: 37293222 PMCID: PMC10244671 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1185829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are obligatory hematophagous arthropods that harbor and transmit infectious pathogens to humans and animals. Tick species belonging to Amblyomma, Ixodes, Dermacentor, and Hyalomma genera may transmit certain viruses such as Bourbon virus (BRBV), Dhori virus (DHOV), Powassan virus (POWV), Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (OHFV), Colorado tick fever virus (CTFV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), Heartland virus (HRTV), Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), etc. that affect humans and certain wildlife. The tick vectors may become infected through feeding on viraemic hosts before transmitting the pathogen to humans and animals. Therefore, it is vital to understand the eco-epidemiology of tick-borne viruses and their pathogenesis to optimize preventive measures. Thus this review summarizes knowledge on some medically important ticks and tick-borne viruses, including BRBV, POWV, OHFV, CTFV, CCHFV, HRTV, and KFDV. Further, we discuss these viruses' epidemiology, pathogenesis, and disease manifestations during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taif Shah
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Qian Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Binghui Wang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Zulqarnain Baloch
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Xueshan Xia
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Provincial Center for Molecular Medicine, Kunming, China
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Stone ET, Pinto AK. T Cells in Tick-Borne Flavivirus Encephalitis: A Review of Current Paradigms in Protection and Disease Pathology. Viruses 2023; 15:958. [PMID: 37112938 PMCID: PMC10146733 DOI: 10.3390/v15040958] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The family Flaviviridae is comprised of a diverse group of arthropod-borne viruses that are the etiological agents of globally relevant diseases in humans. Among these, infection with several of these flaviviruses-including West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus (ZIKV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and Powassan virus (POWV)-can result in neuroinvasive disease presenting as meningitis or encephalitis. Factors contributing to the development and resolution of tick-borne flavivirus (TBEV, POWV) infection and neuropathology remain unclear, though many recently undertaken studies have described the virus-host interactions underlying encephalitic disease. With access to neural tissues despite the selectively permeable blood-brain barrier, T cells have emerged as one notable contributor to neuroinflammation. The goal of this review is to summarize the recent advances in tick-borne flavivirus immunology-particularly with respect to T cells-as it pertains to the development of encephalitis. We found that although T cell responses are rarely evaluated in a clinical setting, they are integral in conjunction with antibody responses to restricting the entry of TBFV into the CNS. The extent and means by which they can drive immune pathology, however, merits further study. Understanding the role of the T cell compartment in tick-borne flavivirus encephalitis is instrumental for improving vaccine safety and efficacy, and has implications for treatments and interventions for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amelia K. Pinto
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63103, USA
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Rubel F, Zaenker S, Weigand A, Weber D, Chitimia-Dobler L, Kahl O. Atlas of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) in Germany: 1st data update. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:251-274. [PMID: 36928533 PMCID: PMC10020077 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00784-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The first data update of the atlas of ticks in Germany published in 2021 is presented here. This atlas provides maps based on georeferenced tick locations of 21 species endemic in Germany as well as three tick species that are regularly imported to Germany. The data update includes the following numbers of newly georeferenced tick locations: 17 Argas reflexus, 79 Carios vespertilionis, 2 Dermacentor marginatus, 43 Dermacentor reticulatus, 4 Haemaphysalis concinna, 3 Haemaphysalis punctata, 3 Hyalomma rufipes, 3 Ixodes apronophorus, 9 Ixodes arboricola, 1 Ixodes ariadnae, 30 Ixodes canisuga, 3 Ixodes frontalis, 80 Ixodes hexagonus, 3 Ixodes lividus, 497 Ixodes ricinus/inopinatus, 1 Ixodes rugicollis, 17 Ixodes trianguliceps, 14 Ixodes vespertilionis, and 45 Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Old and new tick findings were mapped, such as the northernmost occurrence of D. marginatus in Germany observed in 2021, but also the historical records from the first descriptions of I. apronophorus and I. arboricola, which were georeferenced here for the first time. The digital dataset of tick locations available for Germany is supplemented by 854 new tick locations. These records increase the number of tick species mapped in the federal states Bavaria, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg Western Pomerania by five each, those in Berlin and Schleswig-Holstein by four each, those in Hamburg by three, those in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bremen, Lower Saxony, Northrhine-Westphalia, Rhineland Palatinate and Thuringia by two each, and those in Hesse, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt by one each. Thus, the first data update of the tick atlas in Germany and the underlying digital dataset significantly improve our knowledge of the distribution of these tick species and helps to investigate the effects of climate change and habitat changes on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Stefan Zaenker
- Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research, Fulda, Germany
| | - Alexander Weigand
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune-Flore, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Dieter Weber
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune-Flore, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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Springer A, Lindau A, Probst J, Drehmann M, Fachet K, Thoma D, Rose Vineer H, Noll M, Dobler G, Mackenstedt U, Strube C. Update and prognosis of Dermacentor distribution in Germany: Nationwide occurrence of Dermacentor reticulatus. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1044597. [PMID: 36406070 PMCID: PMC9666490 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1044597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A considerable range expansion of Dermacentor reticulatus has been observed in several European countries, which is concerning in the light of its vector function for several pathogens, including Babesia canis and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The present study provides an update on the distribution of Dermacentor ticks in Germany, using a citizen science approach. Ticks were collected by citizens from March 2020 to May 2021, and submitted along with information on the date and location of collection, potential hosts and details about the circumstances of discovery. In total, 3,292 Dermacentor specimens were received, of which 76.4% (2,515/3,292) were identified as D. reticulatus and 23.0% (758/3,292) as D. marginatus, while 0.6% (19/3,292) were too damaged for species-level identification. Dermacentor reticulatus was received from all federal states of Germany. Maxent species distribution models predicted suitable environmental conditions for D. reticulatus throughout Germany. Findings on the vegetation or on pastured animals without travel history confirmed the occurrence of this tick species as far north as the most northern German federal state Schleswig-Holstein. In contrast, the distribution of D. marginatus still appears to be limited to southwestern Germany, although the northward shift of the distribution limit observed in the preceding citizen science study, as compared with previous published distributions, was confirmed. This shift was also predicted by Maxent species distribution models, reflecting the broader distribution of the tick occurrence data contributed by citizens. Most D. reticulatus ticks were found on dogs (1,311/1,960, 66.9%), while D. marginatus was mainly discovered on hoofed animals (197/621, 31.7%) and humans (182/621, 29.3%). Human tick bites were reported in 0.7% (14/1,960) of host-assigned D. reticulatus and 3.4% (21/621) of host-assigned D. marginatus. Further studies to investigate an increasing endemisation of Babesia canis in Germany as well as the relevance of D. reticulatus for TBEV spread throughout the country, e.g., by traveling dogs, are urgently needed. In view of the activity of D. reticulatus during winter or the colder months, which complements that of Ixodes ricinus, a year-round tick protection of at least dogs is strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hanover, Germany
| | - Alexander Lindau
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Julia Probst
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hanover, Germany
| | - Marco Drehmann
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Katrin Fachet
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Dorothea Thoma
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - H. Rose Vineer
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Madeleine Noll
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany,Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Munich, Germany
| | - Ute Mackenstedt
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hanover, Germany,*Correspondence: Christina Strube
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Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Prevalence in Sheep, Wild Boar and Ticks in Belgium. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112362. [PMID: 36366458 PMCID: PMC9699201 DOI: 10.3390/v14112362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is the most important tick-borne zoonotic virus in Europe. In Belgium, antibodies to TBEV have already been detected in wildlife and domestic animals, but up-to-date prevalence data for TBEV are lacking, and no studies have assessed its seroprevalence in sheep. Serum samples of 480 sheep from all over Belgium and 831 wild boar hunted in Flanders (northern Belgium) were therefore screened for TBEV antibodies by ELISA and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), respectively. The specificity of positive samples was assessed by PRNTs for TBEV and the Louping Ill, West Nile, and Usutu viruses. TBEV seroprevalence was 0.42% (2/480, CI 95%: 0.11-1.51) in sheep and 9.27% (77/831, CI 95%: 7.48-11.43) in wild boar. TBEV seroprevalence in wild boar from the province of Flemish Brabant was significantly higher (22.38%, 15/67) compared to Limburg (7.74%, 34/439) and Antwerp (8.61%, 28/325). Oud-Heverlee was the hunting area harboring the highest TBEV seroprevalence (33.33%, 11/33). In an attempt to obtain a Belgian TBEV isolate, 1983 ticks collected in areas showing the highest TBEV seroprevalence in wild boars were tested by real-time qPCR. No TBEV-RNA-positive tick was detected. The results of this study suggest an increase in TBEV prevalence over the last decade and highlight the need for One-Health surveillance in Belgium.
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Borde JP, Glaser R, Braun K, Riach N, Hologa R, Kaier K, Chitimia-Dobler L, Dobler G. Decoding the Geography of Natural TBEV Microfoci in Germany: A Geostatistical Approach Based on Land-Use Patterns and Climatological Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11830. [PMID: 36142105 PMCID: PMC9517139 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: Tickborne-encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially life-threating neurological disease that is mainly transmitted by ticks. The goal of the present study is to analyze the potential uniform environmental patterns of the identified TBEV microfoci in Germany. The results are used to calculate probabilities for the present distribution of TBEV microfoci in Germany based on a geostatistical model. Methods: We aim to consider the specification of environmental characteristics of locations of TBEV microfoci detected in Germany using open access epidemiological, geographical and climatological data sources. We use a two-step geostatistical approach, where in a first step, the characteristics of a broad set of environmental variables between the 56 TBEV microfoci and a control or comparator set of 3575 sampling points covering Germany are compared using Fisher's Exact Test. In the second step, we select the most important variables, which are then used in a MaxEnt distribution model to calculate a high resolution (400 × 400 m) probability map for the presence of TBEV covering the entire area of Germany. Results: The findings from the MaxEnt prediction model indicate that multi annual actual evapotranspiration (27.0%) and multi annual hot days (22.5%) have the highest contribution to our model. These two variables are followed by four additional variables with a lower, but still important, explanatory influence: Land cover classes (19.6%), multi annual minimum air temperature (14.9%), multi annual sunshine duration (9.0%), and distance to coniferous and mixed forest border (7.0%). Conclusions: Our findings are based on defined TBEV microfoci with known histories of infection and the repeated confirmation of the virus in the last years, resulting in an in-depth high-resolution model/map of TBEV microfoci in Germany. Multi annual actual evapotranspiration (27%) and multi annual hot days (22.5%) have the most explanatory power in our model. The results may be used to tailor specific regional preventive measures and investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P. Borde
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, D-79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Praxis Prof. Dr. J. Borde & Kollegen, Gesundheitszentrum Oberkirch, Am Marktplatz 8, D-77704 Oberkirch, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Glaser
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Klaus Braun
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Nils Riach
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Rafael Hologa
- Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography, University of Freiburg, Schreiberstr. 20, D-79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Klaus Kaier
- Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 26, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
- German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, D-80937 München, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gerhard Dobler
- German National Reference Laboratory for TBEV, Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology, Neuherbergstraße 11, D-80937 München, Germany
- Parasitology Unit, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Straße 34, D-70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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