scholarly journals Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) antibodies in animal sera – occurrence in goat flocks in Germany, longevity and ability to recall immunological information after more than six years

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Klaus ◽  
Ute Ziegler ◽  
Donata Hoffmann ◽  
Franziska Press ◽  
Christine Fast ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immunological Memory ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Milk Products ◽  
Federal States ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
First Contact ◽  
Tbev Infection

Abstract Background TBE is an important tick-borne viral zoonosis in Europe and some parts of Asia. Humans can become infected by tick bite and in some cases also by consumption of nonpasteurized raw milk and raw milk products from ruminants. Serological investigations of milking flocks can help to assess the risk of TBEV infection for humans. 735 blood samples from 50 goat flocks from four federal states of Germany were tested by TBEV-VNT to assess a potential risk for TBEV infection. There are some gaps in the knowledge about immunity in animals, for example with regard to the longevity of TBEV immunity. Two goats and two sheep were immunized and TBEV antibody titers could be detected for up to 7 years. Furthermore, nothing is known about a possible long-lasting immunological memory that could quickly be reactivated by an additional contact to TBEV. Seven years after the first immunization two goats and two sheep as well as two naïve goats and two sheep were boostered and TBEV antibody titers followed. Results Only one sample in each of the three states was TBEV-antibody positive (VNT), albeit with low titers. However, in Baden-Württemberg seven samples were positive, among them four goats of the same flock. TBEV-antibody positive titers were detected in goats for up to 6 years and 10 months, in sheep for up to 4 years and 7 months. Seven years after immunization a clear immunological recall occurred in response to administration of one dose of vaccine in two goats and two sheep. Conclusion It can be concluded that in the tested flocks the risk of an alimentary TBEV infection was low. However, in one single flock a considerably higher risk must be assumed. Antibody titers in goats and sheep can last very long after contact to TBEV, albeit at a low level. This should be taken into consideration in cases where the risk of an alimentary infection is assessed in a flock by serological investigations. The immunological recall gives rise to the suspicion that the immunological memory after a first contact to TBEV lasts for many years, probably lifelong.

scholarly journals Alimentary Infections by Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Martina Ličková ◽  
Sabína Fumačová Havlíková ◽  
Monika Sláviková ◽  
Boris Klempa
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Neurological Disease ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Relevant Factor ◽  
Milk Products ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) causes serious the neurological disease, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). TBEV can be transmitted to humans by ticks as well as by the alimentary route, which is mediated through the consumption of raw milk products from infected ruminants such as sheep, goats, and cows. The alimentary route of TBEV was recognized in the early 1950s and many important experimental studies were performed shortly thereafter. Nowadays, alimentary TBEV infections are recognized as a relevant factor contributing to the overall increase in TBE incidences in Europe. This review aims to summarize the history and current extent of alimentary TBEV infections across Europe, to analyze experimental data on virus secretion in milk, and to review possible alimentary infection preventive measures.

scholarly journals Infection and injury of human astrocytes by tick-borne encephalitis virus

2014 ◽  
Vol 95 (11) ◽  
pp. 2411-2426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Palus ◽  
Tomáš Bílý ◽  
Jana Elsterová ◽  
Helena Langhansová ◽  
Jiří Salát ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Interferon Α ◽  
Human Astrocytes ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Tbev Infection ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a disease caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), represents the most important flaviviral neural infection in Europe and north-eastern Asia. In the central nervous system (CNS), neurons are the primary target for TBEV infection; however, infection of non-neuronal CNS cells, such as astrocytes, is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the interaction between TBEV and primary human astrocytes. We report for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that primary human astrocytes are sensitive to TBEV infection, although the infection did not affect their viability. The infection induced a marked increase in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker of astrocyte activation. In addition, expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and several key pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (e.g. tumour necrosis factor α, interferon α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, interferon γ-induced protein 10, macrophage inflammatory protein, but not monocyte chemotactic protein 1) was upregulated. Moreover, we present a detailed description of morphological changes in TBEV-infected cells, as investigated using three-dimensional electron tomography. Several novel ultrastructural changes were observed, including the formation of unique tubule-like structures of 17.9 ±0.15 nm diameter with associated viral particles and/or virus-induced vesicles and located in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the TBEV-infected cells. This is the first demonstration that TBEV infection activates primary human astrocytes. The infected astrocytes might be a potential source of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the TBEV-infected brain, and might contribute to the TBEV-induced neurotoxicity and blood–brain barrier breakdown that occurs during TBE. The neuropathological significance of our observations is also discussed.

scholarly journals Two Cases of Severe Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Rituximab-Treated Patients in Germany: Implications for Diagnosis and Prevention

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp A Steininger ◽  
Tobias Bobinger ◽  
Wenke Dietrich ◽  
De-Hyung Lee ◽  
Michael Knott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Standard Therapy ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
B Cell Malignancies ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Preventive Vaccination ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Tbev Infection

Abstract Rituximab (RTX) has become a standard therapy for certain B cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. We report 2 RTX-treated patients who developed severe tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection. The inability to generate new antibody responses renders RTX-treated patients susceptible to TBEV, impedes laboratory diagnosis, and necessitates preventive vaccination in endemic areas.

scholarly journals Tick populations from endemic and non-endemic areas in Germany show differential susceptibility to TBEV

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Liebig ◽  
Mathias Boelke ◽  
Domenic Grund ◽  
Sabine Schicht ◽  
Andrea Springer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Susceptibility ◽  
Feeding Rates ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Lower Saxony ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
In Vitro Feeding ◽  
Tbev Infection

Abstract Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is endemic in twenty-seven European countries, transmitted via the bite of an infected tick. TBEV is the causative agent of one of the most important viral diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). In Germany, 890 human cases were registered between the years 2018–2019. The castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus, is the TBEV vector with the highest importance in Central Europe, including Germany. Despite the nationwide distribution of this tick species, risk areas of TBEV are largely located in Southern Germany. To increase our understanding of TBEV-tick interactions, we collected ticks from different areas within Germany (Haselmühl/Bavaria, Hanover/Lower Saxony) and infected them via an in vitro feeding system. A TBEV isolate was obtained from an endemic focus in Haselmühl. In two experimental series conducted in 2018 and 2019, ticks sampled in Haselmühl (TBEV focus) showed higher artificial feeding rates, as well as higher TBEV infections rates than ticks from the non-endemic area (Hanover). Other than the tick origin, year and month of the infection experiment as well as co-infection with Borrelia spp., had a significant impact on TBEV Haselmühl infection rates. Taken together, these findings suggest that a specific adaptation of the tick populations to their respective TBEV virus isolates or vice versa, leads to higher TBEV infection rates in those ticks. Furthermore, co-infection with other tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia spp. can lower TBEV infection rates in specific populations.

scholarly journals A Functional Toll-Like Receptor 3 Gene (TLR3) May Be a Risk Factor for Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) Infection

2011 ◽  
Vol 203 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elin Kindberg ◽  
Sirkka Vene ◽  
Aukse Mickiene ◽  
Åke Lundkvist ◽  
Lars Lindquist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Toll Like Receptor ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Tbev Infection

scholarly journals Nucleoside Inhibitors of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (9) ◽  
pp. 5483-5493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luděk Eyer ◽  
James J. Valdés ◽  
Victor A. Gil ◽  
Radim Nencka ◽  
Hubert Hřebabecký ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuroblastoma Cells ◽  
Antiviral Effect ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Nucleoside Analogues ◽  
Kidney Cells ◽  
Porcine Kidney ◽  
Human Neuroblastoma ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Tbev Infection

ABSTRACTTick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a leading cause of human neuroinfections in Europe and Northeast Asia. There are no antiviral therapies for treating TBEV infection. A series of nucleoside analogues was tested for the ability to inhibit the replication of TBEV in porcine kidney cells and human neuroblastoma cells. The interactions of three nucleoside analogues with viral polymerase were simulated using advanced computational methods. The nucleoside analogues 7-deaza-2′-C-methyladenosine (7-deaza-2′-CMA), 2′-C-methyladenosine (2′-CMA), and 2′-C-methylcytidine (2′-CMC) inhibited TBEV replication. These compounds showed dose-dependent inhibition of TBEV-induced cytopathic effects, TBEV replication (50% effective concentrations [EC50]of 5.1 ± 0.4 μM for 7-deaza-2′-CMA, 7.1 ± 1.2 μM for 2′-CMA, and 14.2 ± 1.9 μM for 2′-CMC) and viral antigen production. Notably, 2′-CMC was relatively cytotoxic to porcine kidney cells (50% cytotoxic concentration [CC50] of ∼50 μM). The anti-TBEV effect of 2′-CMA in cell culture diminished gradually after day 3 posttreatment. 7-Deaza-2′-CMA showed no detectable cellular toxicity (CC50> 50 μM), and the antiviral effect in culture was stable for >6 days posttreatment. Computational molecular analyses revealed that compared to the other two compounds, 7-deaza-2′-CMA formed a large cluster near the active site of the TBEV polymerase. High antiviral activity and low cytotoxicity suggest that 7-deaza-2′-CMA is a promising candidate for further investigation as a potential therapeutic agent in treating TBEV infection.

scholarly journals No neutralizing effect of pre-existing tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2: a prospective healthcare worker study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Kohler ◽  
Hulda R. Jonsdottir ◽  
Lorenz Risch ◽  
Pietro Vernazza ◽  
Rahel Ackermann-Gäumann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Live Virus ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Reduced Risk

AbstractCertain immunizations including vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) have been suggested to confer cross-protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Within a prospective healthcare worker (HCW) cohort, we assessed the potentially protective role of anti-TBEV antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among 3352 HCW, those with ≥ 1 previous TBEV vaccination (n = 2018, 60%) showed a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion (adjusted odds ratio: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7–1.0, P = 0.02). However, laboratory testing of a subgroup of 26 baseline and follow-up samples did not demonstrate any neutralizing effect of anti-TBEV antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in live-virus neutralization assay. However, we observed significantly higher anti-TBEV antibody titers in follow-up samples of participants with previous TBEV vaccination compared to baseline, both TBEV neutralizing (p = 0.001) and total IgG (P < 0.0001), irrespective of SARS-CoV-2 serostatus. Based on these data, we conclude that the observed association of previous TBEV vaccination and reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is likely due to residual confounding factors. The increase in TBEV follow-up antibody titers can be explained by natural TBEV exposure or potential non-specific immune activation upon exposure to various pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. We believe that these findings, although negative, contribute to the current knowledge on potential cross-immunity against SARS-CoV-2 from previous immunizations.

TBE in Austria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Stiasny ◽  
Heidemarie Holzmann ◽  
Isabel Santonja ◽  
Franz X. Heinz
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
National Reference ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Tbev Infection

Since 1972, the documentation of human cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Austria has been performed by the Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, which acts as the National Reference Laboratory for TBE and other flavivirus infections. Only hospitalized patients with a recent tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection confirmed by laboratory diagnosis are counted as cases. Confirmation is usually based on immunoglobulin (Ig) serology (namely enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] for IgM and IgG). However, this confirmation may be supplemented by virus neutralization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses if needed.

TBE in France

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Hansmann ◽  
Aurélie Velay
Keyword(s):  
Human Case ◽  
Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Tbev Infection

The first human case of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection in France was reported in 1968 in Alsace, an eastern region next to the German border: a gamekeeper working in a forest near Strasbourg.

Characteristics of tick-borne encephalitis in vaccinated patients and criteria for specific laboratory diagnostics

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 94-104
Author(s):  
V.V. Pogodina ◽  
◽  
M.S. Shcherbinina ◽  
V.A. Semenov ◽  
N.G. Bochkova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Humoral Immunity ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Original Method ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Laboratory Diagnostics ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus ◽  
Antibody Dynamics

Currently available vaccines against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are highly effective; however, they do not ensure 100% protection. Laboratory diagnostics of TBE in vaccinated patients remains poorly developed. Objective. To compare the dynamics of humoral immunity in unvaccinated and vaccinated patients and to develop an algorithm of specific laboratory diagnostics of TBE. Patients and methods. We have tested 276 unvaccinated and 59 vaccinated patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of IgG and IgM against antigens of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). In hemagglutination inhibition assay, we used dry TBEV reagent. TBEV RNA was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results. We have identified three types of humoral immunity dynamics in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients: seroconversion, stable antibody titers, and negative (reverse) antibody dynamics with an at least 4-fold decrease in antibody levels. Among 39 vaccinated individuals, 18 patients demonstrated seroconversion, while 16 patients had stable antibody titers and 4 patients had negative dynamics. Patients with chronic TBE demonstrated different variants of humoral immunity dynamics. Discussion. We discuss the variants of antibody dynamics described above and diagnostic methods on the example of vaccinated patients. In individuals with stable antibody titers, we used an original method for detecting the dynamics of antibodies against Siberian strain of TBEV. Conclusion. In case of seroconversion, the level of specific immunity in vaccinated patients was higher than that in unvaccinated patients and healthy individuals vaccinated against TBE. Negative antibody dynamics is the rarest variant of humoral immunity development. The diagnosis of TBE in patients with stable antibody titers is confirmed by the detection of TBEV antigen, increasing serum levels of IgM, detection of TBEV RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid, and isolation of the virus. Keywords: vaccinated patients, humoral immunity, diagnosis, tick-borne encephalitis

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