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Tick-borne encephalitis in southern Norway
Péter A Csángó1, Ellef Blakstad, Georges C Kirtz
1Department of Microbiology, Vest-Agder Hospital, and Sörlandet Hospital, Kristiansand, NO-4604 Norway. csangopeter@yahoo.com
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|April 28, 2004
Summary
Norway reported its first human tick-borne encephalitis cases. Canine surveillance revealed antibodies in 16.4% of dogs, indicating an emerging tick-borne encephalitis virus threat in Aust-Agder County.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Epidemiology
- Arthropod-borne Diseases
Background:
- The first human cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Norway were identified in Tromöya, Aust-Agder County.
- Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) poses a significant public health concern in endemic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seroprevalence of TBE virus antibodies in a dog population within the affected geographic area.
- To assess the potential role of dogs as sentinels for TBEV circulation.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 317 dogs residing in the Tromöya region.
- An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was employed to detect antibodies against TBE virus.
Main Results:
- Antibodies to TBE virus were detected in 52 out of 317 (16.4%) canine serum specimens.
- The presence of antibodies suggests widespread TBEV exposure in the dog population.
Conclusions:
- The high seroprevalence in dogs supports the notion of an emerging TBEV disease threat in this region of Norway.
- Canine surveillance can be a valuable tool for monitoring TBEV activity and potential human risk.