Tick-borne encephalitis virus infections in Germany. Seasonality and in-year patterns. A retrospective analysis from 2001-2018

Borde, J; Kaier, Klaus; Hehn, Philip; Böhmer, Merle M.; Kreusch, Teresa; Dobler, Gerhard

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0224044

Cited by 7 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Investigations conducted by Borde et al. ( 2019 ), from 2001 to 2018, have proven that June and July had the highest frequency of TBEV infections. On the other hand, during cold seasons, the development and activity of these ticks are limited, as supported by a study conducted in Zanjan province on goats.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…During vegetation seasons, particularly at sufficient humidity and increased temperatures, these ticks are usually activated, with Zanjan province's related factors coming into play during the late spring to summer seasons (Solaimani et al, 2024). Investigations conducted by Borde et al (2019), from 2001 to 2018, have proven that June and July had the highest frequency of TBEV infections. On the other hand, during cold seasons, the development and activity of these ticks are limited, as supported by a study conducted in Zanjan province on goats.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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First detection of tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw milk samples in North‐Western Iran

Parsadanians,

Mirshahabi,

Yavarmanesh

2024

Veterinary Medicine & Sci

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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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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

First detection of tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw milk samples in North‐Western Iran

Parsadanians,

Mirshahabi,

Yavarmanesh

2024

Veterinary Medicine & Sci

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“…Peak transmission generally occurs for multiple weeks during the warm, humid summer months, typically during June-August in European countries. However, in central and northern Europe, two peaks might occur in summer and early fall (12,15,16,23,37,111,112,115,(135)(136)(137). Unlike mosquitoborne diseases, large outbreaks of tickborne diseases do not occur.…”

Section: Demographic and Seasonal Patternsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2023

Hills,

Poehling,

Chen

et al. 2023

MMWR Recomm. Rep.

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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 m...

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“…The annual number of reported TBE cases in Germany has increased over time from 255 cases in 2001 to a record of 717 cases in 2020, with particularly high case numbers since 2017 [11]. More than 90% of cases occur annually between May and October, although cases are reported earlier each year, presumably because periods of tick activity tend to start earlier in the season and last longer due to climate change [14,15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors regarding Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination and Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases among Primary Care Physicians in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, May–September 2022

Coyer

Sogan-Ekinci²,

Greutelaers³

et al. 2023

Microorganisms

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In 2020, a record number of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases was reported in major endemic areas in Germany, i.e., the southern federal states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria. Most cases were unvaccinated. Other tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including Lyme borreliosis and tularemia, are rising, too. Thus, strategies are needed to increase TBE vaccination uptake in risk areas and promote education on TBD prevention. Primary care physicians are key providers of both vaccinations and TBD education. The TBD-Prevention (TBD-Prev) study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of primary care physicians in Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria with regard to TBE vaccination and prevention of TBDs and to derive strategies for increasing vaccination rates and improving knowledge about TBE and other TBDs in the population and among primary care physicians. We invited all primary care physicians (N = 14,046) in both states to participate by mail. Using standardized, self-administered questionnaires, available both on paper and online, we asked physicians anonymously about their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors with respect to TBE vaccination and TBD prevention and their need for further information/educational materials. A total of 2321 physicians participated between May and September 2022 (response rate 17%), of whom 1222 (53%) worked in Baden-Wuerttemberg and 1067 (46%) in Bavaria. Among the participating physicians, 56% were male, 71% were >50 years and 51% worked in an individual practice. Furthermore, 91% were aware of the German national vaccination guidelines, and 98% perceived their knowledge of the risks and benefits of vaccination as adequate. A total of 97% offer TBE vaccinations, 67% provide vaccination counselling during initial consultations with new patients and 64% actively remind patients about due vaccinations. In addition, 24% expressed a need for further information materials, mainly traditional, analogue media such as flyers (82%) and posters (50%), and named timeliness, quality assurance, easy comprehensibility and independence from the pharmaceutical industry as the most important characteristics of such materials. Almost all participating physicians reported offering TBE vaccinations and feeling well-informed about TBE vaccination and TBDs. However, active offering of vaccinations and education could be further improved, and additional, low-threshold information materials are needed. Based on these results, we will develop and provide various materials on TBE vaccination and TBDs, in particular flyers and posters, for use by physicians during consultations.

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Tick-borne encephalitis virus infections in Germany. Seasonality and in-year patterns. A retrospective analysis from 2001-2018

Cited by 7 publications

References 20 publications

First detection of tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw milk samples in North‐Western Iran

First detection of tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in raw milk samples in North‐Western Iran

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2023

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors regarding Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination and Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases among Primary Care Physicians in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, May–September 2022

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