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[Tick-borne meningoencephalitis in Gorski Kotar--new findings]
B Borcić1, B Kaić, L Gardasević-Morić
1Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Referentni centar za epidemiologiju, Zagreb.
Abstract:
Motivated by the occurrence of a case of suspected tick-borne meningoencephalitis (TBE) in a forestry worker of the Delnice Forestry Enterprise, 139 sera samples were collected from his co-workers, for TBE-specific IgG antibody testing. The commercially purchased ELISA and our own indirect immunofluorescence tests were used. Two sera samples were found positive and another six as inconclusive. All of them were sent for confirmation to the Institute of virology, University of Vienna. The two previously positive sera were also ELISA positive in Vienna, the rest being qualified as negative. Accepting that the first case really had TBE and that the two seropositives have experienced infection with the TBE virus, it is inferred that in the wider region of Delnice there is an until now unknown TBE focus, quiescent there for an unknown period of time.
Insights
A suspected tick-borne meningoencephalitis (TBE) case prompted testing of 139 co-workers. Two individuals showed TBE virus antibodies, suggesting a previously unknown TBE focus in the Delnice region.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Context:
- A suspected case of tick-borne meningoencephalitis (TBE) in a forestry worker in Delnice, Croatia.
- Investigation prompted by a potential TBE infection in an occupational setting.
Purpose:
- To investigate the seroprevalence of TBE virus IgG antibodies among co-workers of a suspected TBE case.
- To identify potential new foci of TBE virus activity in the Delnice region.
Summary:
- 139 serum samples were tested for TBE-specific IgG antibodies using ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assays.
- Two samples tested positive, and six were inconclusive; confirmation in Vienna validated the two positive results.
- This suggests an unidentified, potentially dormant TBE virus focus in the wider Delnice area.
Impact:
- Identifies a potential new geographical focus for tick-borne meningoencephalitis virus.
- Highlights the importance of occupational health surveillance in endemic areas.
- Provides evidence for further epidemiological and ecological studies of TBE in the region.