Ecological and environmental factors affecting the risk of tick-borne encephalitis in Europe, 2017 to 2021
In this study we want to provide comprehensive understanding of the main ecological and environmental factors that affect TBE spread across Europe.MethodsWe searched available literature on covariates linked with the circulation of TBEV in Europe. We then assessed the best predictors for TBE incidence in 11 European countries by means of statistical regression, using data on human infections provided by the European Surveillance System (TESSy), averaged between 2017 and 2021.ResultsWe retrieved data from 62 full-text articles and identified 31 different covariates associated with TBE occurrence. Finally, we selected eight variables from the best model, including factors linked to vegetation cover, climate, and the presence of tick hosts.DiscussionThe existing literature is heterogeneous, both in study design and covariate types. Here, we summarised and statistically validated the covariates affecting the variability of TBEV across Europe. The analysis of the factors enhancing disease emergence is a fundamental step towards the identification of potential hotspots of viral circulation. Hence, our results can support modelling efforts to estimate the risk of TBEV infections and help decision-makers implement surveillance and prevention campaigns.
Source: Eurosurveillance - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Francesca Dagostin, Valentina Tagliapietra, Giovanni Marini, Claudia Cataldo, Maria Bellenghi, Scilla Pizzarelli, Rosaria Rosanna Cammarano, William Wint, Neil S Alexander, Markus Neteler, Julia Haas, Timoth ée Dub, Luca Busani and Annapaola Rizzoli Source Type: research
More News: Brain | Encephalitis | Endemics | Environmental Health | Infectious Diseases | Neurology | Statistics | Study | Tickborne Diseases