Determinants of tick-borne encephalitis virus antibody presence in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) sera.

摘要: In order to identify variables associated with the presence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus, we conducted a serological survey roe deer [Capreolus capreolus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae, Linnaeus 1758)] in three forest districts southern Hesse, Germany. Overall, 24 out 105 (22.9%) sera were positive (≥1 : 10 plaque reduction neutralization test). Using logistic regression approach, found that unexplained spatial variation, indexed density (positive correlation), hind foot length tested correlation) and infestation female Ixodes spp. ticks (negative predicted probability TBE virus antibody individual sera. Spring temperature increase host sex rejected as explanatory variables. We considerable differences seroprevalence (50.0% vs. 17.6%) between two located same county; this finding questions current county-resolution public health recordings. Given high power our model, approach appears suitable delineate science-based risk maps at smaller scale abandon human incidence per county criterion. Importantly, using sentinels would eliminate inherent bias based on (varying levels immunization exposure humans).