Travel-related vector-borne virus infections in Germany

Area of Science:

• Medical Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Vector-borne viral diseases pose a growing health concern globally.
• Increased international travel facilitates the introduction of exotic pathogens into non-endemic regions.
• Timely laboratory diagnosis is crucial for managing imported infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the laboratory diagnosis of imported vector-borne virus diseases in Munich, Germany.
• To identify the prevalence and geographical origins of specific vector-borne viral infections in travelers.
• To assess the diagnostic yield of molecular and serological methods for these diseases.

Main Methods:

• Serological testing for sandfly fever (Toscana virus) and dengue virus in symptomatic travelers.
• Seroepidemiological study to detect antibodies against dengue, chikungunya, and Sindbis viruses in aid workers.
• Molecular detection (RT-PCR) and characterization of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus RNA in suspected cases.

Main Results:

• Sandfly fever (Toscana virus) confirmed in 13/317 travelers from the Mediterranean, primarily Italy.
• Dengue virus infection diagnosed in 26/249 travelers from the tropics, predominantly Thailand.
• Antibodies to dengue, chikungunya, and Sindbis viruses found in 7.3%, 1.3%, and 0.1% of aid workers, respectively.
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus RNA detected in 4/17 patients from the Middle East.

Conclusions:

• Vector-borne viral infections are a significant and increasing concern for travelers returning to Germany.
• Laboratory surveillance and diagnosis are essential for identifying and managing these imported diseases.
• Geographical risk assessment based on travel history is critical for clinical suspicion and diagnostic workup.