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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
07:21
Tick Microbiome Characterization by Next-Generation 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Published on: August 25, 2018
[Viremia in patients with tick-borne encephalitis and in persons with attached ixodes ticks]
Voprosy Virusologii
|September 1, 1996
Abstract:
An original method of virus isolation developed by the authors made it possible to collect 64 strains of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus isolated from the blood of TBE patients and subjects complaining of sucking Ixodidae ticks. It is demonstrated that only a small part of the tick natural population cause acute TBE. The majority of the strains (54 isolates) of TBE virus have been isolated from the blood of clinically healthy subjects. Half of the strains showed no immunogenic properties in human body. Season infectivity corresponds to monthly virusophority of the ticks.
Insights
A new virus isolation method identified 64 tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus strains. Most strains were found in healthy individuals, with many lacking immunogenic properties, highlighting varied TBE virus circulation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Arthropod-borne viruses
Context:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a significant neurological disease transmitted by Ixodidae ticks.
- Understanding TBE virus reservoirs and transmission dynamics is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies have focused on symptomatic infections, potentially underestimating virus circulation.
Purpose:
- To develop and apply an original virus isolation method for detecting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus.
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of TBE virus in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
- To assess the immunogenic potential of isolated TBE virus strains in humans.
Summary:
- An novel virus isolation technique successfully identified 64 tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus strains from blood samples.
- The majority of isolates (54 strains) originated from clinically healthy individuals, not just TBE patients or tick-bite complainants.
- A significant proportion of these TBE virus strains (50%) exhibited no detectable immunogenic properties in humans, suggesting complex host-pathogen interactions.
- Seasonal analysis indicated a correlation between tick virusophority and human infection periods.
Impact:
- This study reveals a broader circulation of TBE virus in the population than previously recognized, including in asymptomatic carriers.
- The findings challenge the assumption that only symptomatic cases or tick bites are indicative of TBE virus exposure.
- The identification of non-immunogenic strains necessitates further research into TBE virus diversity and its implications for vaccine development and disease surveillance.
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