Prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies in dogs from Denmark

Per M Jensen,Geoffrey A Houser,Danny S Meldgaard,Mette Berendt,Katherine ES Lindhe

doi:10.1186/1751-0147-51-56

Per M Jensen, Geoffrey A Houser + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-51-56

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Abstract

BackgroundLarge regions of central and eastern Europe are recognized as areas where tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is endemic, including countries neighbouring Denmark. It is therefore timely and relevant to determine if TBEV infections occur in Denmark. This study investigates the presence of antibodies against TBEV in a cross-section of the Danish canine population to assess the level of exposure to TBEV and possibly identify TBEV microfoci in Denmark.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 125 dogs originating from five regions of Denmark between November 2005 and March 2006. Serum was tested by indirect ELISA. All positive and borderline samples were re-evaluated by neutralisation test (NT).ResultsThe prevalence of TBEV serocomplex antibodies was 30% by ELISA and 4.8% by NT (with 100%-neutralising capacity). The island of Bornholm was the only area in Denmark with NT positive samples.ConclusionsThe island of Bornholm is an area with a high risk of encountering TBEV microfoci. The presence of TBEV serocomplex antibodies in many sentinel animals from other parts of Denmark points toward existence of other TBEV microfoci. Discrepancies found between ELISA and NT results stress the importance of careful evaluation of serological tests, when interpreting results.

Highlights

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus, is the cause of the most important arthropod-borne viral disease in central and eastern Europe
There is no cure for infection with tickborne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and apart from the use of hyperimmunoglobulins in humans over the age of 14 [6], symptomatic therapy is the only means of providing patient support
Study population and materials The investigation was designed as a cross-sectional study, where dogs were used as sentinel animals and screened for presence of antibodies against TBEV

Summary

Introduction

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus, is the cause of the most important arthropod-borne viral disease in central and eastern Europe. It is believed to result in at least 3000 human cases of tick-borne encephalitis annually in Europe [1,2]. Canine TBE is characterized by lower morbidity, but a higher mortality rate, than human TBE, and dogs are often euthanized because of the severity of their clinical manifestations [4,5]. There is no cure for infection with TBEV and apart from the use of hyperimmunoglobulins in humans over the age of 14 [6], symptomatic therapy is the only means of providing patient support. Large regions of central and eastern Europe are recognized as areas where tickborne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is endemic, including countries neighbouring Denmark.

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