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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis / Molecular Detection and Serological Evidence of Tick-Borne E...
Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)2017; 17(12); 813-820; doi: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2167

Molecular Detection and Serological Evidence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Serbia.

Abstract: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a zoonotic flaviviral infection that is a growing public health concern in European countries. The aims of this research were to detect and characterize tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in Ixodes ricinus ticks at presumed natural foci in Serbia, and to determine seroprevalence of TBEV IgG antibodies in humans and animals. A total of 500 I. ricinus ticks were examined for the presence of TBEV by real-time RT-PCR, and conventional nested PCR and sequencing. To determine TBEV seroprevalence, 267 human sera samples were collected, as were 200 sera samples from different animal species. All sera samples were examined by ELISA for the presence of anti-TBEV antibodies. To exclude cross-reactivity, all sera samples were tested for anti-West Nile virus (WNV) antibodies and all human sera samples were also tested for anti-Usutu virus antibodies by ELISA. Results of this preliminary study indicated TBEV activity in Serbia at two microfoci. Several decades after the previous documentation of TBEV in Serbia, we have demonstrated the presence of TBEV in I. ricinus questing nymphs (prevalence 2% and 6.6% at the two different localities) and anti-TBEV antibodies in humans (seroprevalence 0.37%). Moreover, we show for the first time TBEV seroprevalence in several animal species in Serbia, including dogs (seroprevalence 17.5%), horses (5%), wild boars (12.5%), cattle (2.5%), and roe deer (2.5%). None of the goats tested was positive for anti-TBEV IgG antibodies. TBEV isolate from I. ricinus tick in this study belonged to the Western European subtype. To understand the true public health concern in Serbia, detailed epidemiological, clinical, virological, and acarological research are required. This is important for implementation of effective control measures to reduce the incidence of TBE in Serbia.
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Publication Date: 2017-10-24 PubMed ID: 29064333DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2167Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research centers around detecting tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks in Serbia and examining the presence of TBEV antibodies in humans and animals. It reestablishes TBEV presence after several decades and for the first time shows TBEV seroprevalence in animal species such as dogs, horses, wild boars, cattle, and roe deer in Serbia.

Research Motivation & Objectives

  • The study was conducted in response to the increasing public health concerns about tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) throughout Europe. TBE is a zoonotic flavivirus infection that can cause serious illnesses in humans.
  • The overarching goal was to detect and describe the presence and variety of TBEV in Ixodes ricinus ticks, thought to be natural hosts of the virus, in Serbia.
  • The researchers investigated the prevalence of TBEV antibodies in humans and different animal species to gauge the extent of spread and possible reservoirs of the infection.

Methodology

  • The researchers collected and analyzed 500 I. ricinus ticks using real-time RT-PCR, and conventional nested PCR, and sequencing techniques to detect TBEV.
  • To determine the TBEV seroprevalence, they also collected serum samples from 267 humans and 200 animals of diverse species. These samples were tested using ELISA to check for the presence of TBEV antibodies.
  • To avoid any crossed results, the researchers also checked for the presence of antibodies for related flaviviruses like West Nile Virus and Usutu virus.

Results

  • The study confirmed the presence of TBEV in Serbia. Two microfoci (small concentrated areas) were identified where TBEV was detected in I. ricinus nymphs, with the rate of prevalence being 2% and 6.6% respectively at both locations.
  • Human seroprevalence (the frequency of individuals in a population carrying TBEV antibodies) was found to be 0.37%, indicating exposure to the virus.
  • The study for the first time showed TBEV seroprevalence in several animal species in Serbia: 17.5% in dogs, 5% in horses, 12.5% in wild boars, 2.5% in cattle, and 2.5% in roe deer. TBEV antibodies were not detected in the tested goat samples.
  • The TBEV variety discovered from the I. ricinus tick in this study was related to the Western European subtype.

Implications

  • This study brings attention to the reemergence of TBEV in Serbia and the risk it poses to public health.
  • Through unveiling TBEV seroprevalence in various animal species, it also prompts the need to investigate the role these animals play in the virus’s transmission cycle.
  • Given these findings, more detailed and comprehensive research regarding the epidemiology, clinical aspects, virology, and tick habitats in Serbia is needed.
  • This could help formulate effective strategies to control and reduce the incidence of TBE in Serbia.

Cite This Article

APA
(2017). Molecular Detection and Serological Evidence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Serbia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis, 17(12), 813-820. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2017.2167

Publication

Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)
ISSN: 1557-7759
NlmUniqueID: 100965525
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 17
Issue: 12
Pages: 813-820

Researcher Affiliations

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / genetics
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / isolation & purification
  • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / epidemiology
  • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / veterinary
  • Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / virology
  • Humans
  • Ixodes / virology
  • Phylogeny
  • Serbia / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Serologic Tests

Citations

This article has been cited 11 times.
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