The Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) as Sentinel for Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Endemic and Non-Endemic Areas

摘要: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most important viral zoonosis caused by a neurotropic arbovirus (TBEV). In Germany, TBE classified as notifiable disease with an average 350 autochthonous human cases annually. The incidence-based risk assessment in Germany came under criticism because every year, number have been detected outside official areas. Therefore, it necessary to find additional parameters strengthen TBEV surveillance. aim this study was examine red foxes sentinels for TBE. Thus far, there are no published data about sensitivity and specificity serological methods testing fox samples. Hence, we aimed define system screening TBEV-specific antibodies foxes. A total 1233 sera were collected examined ELISA IIFA confirmed micro-NT. overall seroprevalence against from micro-NT 21.1%. differed significantly between (30.5%) non-risk areas (13.1%), good correlations local incidence humans. conclusion, monitoring represents promising surrogate marker may even determine unexpected foci regions currently regarded