[Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) with special emphasis on infection in horses].

The research focuses on Tick-borne encephalitis in horses, a virus infection commonly spread by ticks. The paper explores the properties of the virus, its spread, and clinical symptoms, along with the methods of diagnosis and control.

Overview of Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)

• The researchers discuss Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE), a virus largely transmitted through ticks. TBE, also known as early summer meningo-encephalitis, primarily affects humans and dogs, with fatal outcomes having been described for both.
• The causative virus of TBE is part of the Flavivirus genus within the Flaviviridae virus family.
• The TBE’s geographical restriction and apparent underestimation of its importance are mentioned, implying a possible lack of comprehensive research on the virus’s impact.

TBE and Horses

• Though there are established records of TBE’s effects on humans and dogs, only a limited number of case studies exist for horses.
• The study tested serum samples from horses in the Marburg-Biedenkopf region of Germany, known to be endemic for TBE.
• Of the 240 samples tested for anti-TBEV antibodies, 2.9% were positive in a serum neutralization test (SNT).
• The study uses an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), a popular diagnostic tool, to confirm the SNT results. Of the seven samples tested positive on the SNT, only five were also positive when tested on the ELISA.
• The two samples with low SNT-titres and all sera from horses tested negative in the SNT were also negative in the ELISA, affirming the diagnostic reliability of both tests.

Properties, Transmission, and Control of TBE in Horses

• The research investigates multiple facets of TBE infection in horses such as the properties of the TBE virus, interactions between causative agents, host animals, and the environment, as well as the spread of TBEV.
• Discussions on the pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and control of TBE in horses are also included, providing a comprehensive understanding of the disease, its impact on horses, and its control measures.