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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
07:21
Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
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What we know and still do not know about tick-borne encephalitis?
Summary
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a serious viral infection affecting the central nervous system, transmitted by ticks in Europe and Asia. Early diagnosis and new treatments are crucial due to low vaccination rates and potential long-term disability.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a febrile illness caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).
- TBEV is an arbovirus belonging to the Flavivirus genus, endemic in North Eurasia, including Czechia.
- The disease, transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks, can lead to significant long-term neurological disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence and impact of TBE in Czechia.
- To emphasize the need for improved early diagnosis and specific treatments for TBEV infection.
- To address the challenges posed by low vaccination coverage.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TBEV epidemiology and clinical manifestations.
- Analysis of disease transmission patterns in natural foci within Czechia.
- Discussion of current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- TBEV is endemic in Czechia, with transmission primarily via Ixodes ricinus.
- The infection poses a risk of severe, long-term neurological disability.
- Current vaccination coverage in Czechia remains low, approximately 30%.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for enhanced strategies for early TBE diagnosis.
- Development of specific treatments beyond symptomatic or empirical approaches is warranted.
- Increasing vaccination coverage is essential to mitigate the impact of TBEV.
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