Systematic review on the non-vectorial transmission of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv).

Martello, Elisa and Gillingham, Emma L. and Phalkey, Revati and Vardavas, Constantine and Nikitara, Katerina and Bakonyi, Tamas and Gossner, Céline M. and Leonardi-Bee, Jo

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (2022) 13: 102028

DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102028

Abstract

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infection caused by the Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv) and it is common in Europe. The virus is predominantly transmitted by ticks, but other non-vectorial modes of transmission are possible. This systematic review synthesises the epidemiological impact of non-vectorial modes of TBEv transmission in Europe. 41 studies were included comprising of 1308 TBE cases. Alimentary (36 studies), handling infected material (3 studies),  blood-borne (1 study), solid organ transplant (1 study) were identified as potential routes of TBEv transmission; however, no evidence of vertical transmission from mother to offspring was reported (2 studies). Consumption of unpasteurised milk/milk products was the most common vehicle of transmission and significantly increased the risk of TBE by three-fold (pooled RR 3.05, 95% CI 1.53 to 6.11; 4 studies). This review also confirms handling infected material, blood-borne and solid organ transplant as potential routes of TBEv transmission. It is important to tracing back to find the vehicle of the viral infection and to promote vaccination as it remains a mainstay for the prevention of TBE.

Citation

Martello, E., Gillingham, E. L., Phalkey, R., Vardavas, C., Nikitara, K., Bakonyi, T., Gossner, C. M., & Leonardi-Bee, J. (2022). Systematic review on the non-vectorial transmission of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEv). Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, 13(6), 102028. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102028 Meta-analysis, Alimentary, Blood-borne, TBE, Unpasteurized milk, Vertical transmission

Keywords

• Meta-analysis
• Alimentary
• Blood-borne
• TBE
• Unpasteurized milk
• Vertical transmission