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Tick-borne bacterial diseases emerging in Europe
1Unité des Rickettsies, Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France.
Summary
Europe has seen 11 new tick-borne bacterial diseases since 1982, including Lyme disease agents. This highlights emerging infectious diseases and factors in their recognition.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Since Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease agent) discovery in 1982, European tick-borne pathogens have increased.
- Eleven new human bacterial pathogens transmitted by ticks have been identified in Europe.
- These include spotted fever rickettsiae, ehrlichiosis agents, and Borrelia species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the emerging tick-borne bacterial diseases in Europe.
- To discuss factors influencing the recognition of novel tick-borne pathogens.
- To provide an overview of recent discoveries in tick-borne infectious diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of identified tick-borne bacterial pathogens in Europe.
- Analysis of the timeline and characteristics of newly described diseases.
- Discussion of epidemiological and diagnostic factors.
Main Results:
- Eleven new tick-borne bacterial pathogens identified in Europe since 1982.
- Specific examples include five spotted fever rickettsiae, agents of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, four Borrelia burgdorferi complex species, and a new relapsing fever borrelia.
- These findings underscore a significant expansion in the landscape of tick-borne diseases.
Conclusions:
- The emergence of new tick-borne bacterial pathogens in Europe is a growing concern.
- Understanding the factors driving the recognition of these diseases is crucial for public health.
- Continued surveillance and research are necessary to address the evolving threat of tick-borne illnesses.