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Review
. 2015 Jul;143(10):2059-67.
doi: 10.1017/S0950268815000485. Epub 2015 Apr 28.

Factors affecting the ecology of tick-borne encephalitis in Slovenia

N Knap  1 , T Avšič-Županc  1
Affiliations
Free PMC article
Review

Factors affecting the ecology of tick-borne encephalitis in Slovenia

N Knap et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2015 Jul.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Recognition of factors that influence the formation of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) foci is important for assessing the risk of humans acquiring the viral infection and for establishing what can be done (within reasonable boundaries) to minimize that risk. In Slovenia, the dynamics of the TBE vector, i.e. Ixodes ricinus, was studied over a 4-year period and the prevalence of infection in ticks was established. Two groups of tick hosts were investigated: deer and small mammals. Red deer have been confirmed as having a direct influence on the incidence of TBE and rodents have been recognized as important sentinels for TBE infections, although their role in the enzootic cycle of the virus still remains to be elucidated. Last, forest and agricultural areas, which are influenced by human activity, are suitable habitats for ticks, and important for TBEV transmission and establishment. Human behaviour is also therefore an important factor and should always be considered in studies of TBE ecology.

Keywords: Ecology; epidemiology; tick-borne encephalitis; ticks; zoonoses.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Seasonal variation in the number of larvae (- - -), nymph (–––) and adult (formula image) I. ricinus/100 m2 on two selected sampling sites in Slovenia. Črni Kal, a sub-Mediterranean coastal sampling site; Mozirje, continental Slovenia.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Map of Slovenia indicating the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Slovenian municipalities and the sampling sites of rodents, where specific antibodies against TBEV were detected (•) or not detected (▴) in rodent sera.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Correlation between tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) incidence and (a) forest areas (m2) and (b) agricultural land areas (m2).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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