Risk of Tick-Borne Infections in Russia
Author Information
Author(s): Edward I. Korenberg, Lidiya Ya. Gorban', Yurii V. Kovalevskii, Vladimir I. Frizen, Andrei S. Karavanov
Primary Institution: Gamaleya Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology
Hypothesis
Can double infection by TBE virus and Borrelia occur from ticks to humans?
Conclusion
The study found that TBE virus and Borrelia can coexist in ticks, but their prevalence in ticks collected from humans and vegetation is independent.
Supporting Evidence
- TBE virus and Borrelia may coexist in ticks.
- Borrelia prevalence in ticks removed from humans varied from 25% to 35%.
- Annual changes in TBE, ITBB, and double infection illness occur in parallel.
- Most tick bites result in asymptomatic infection and immune response.
- Only a fraction of bitten people seek medical help in removing an attached tick.
Takeaway
Ticks can carry two diseases at the same time, but just because a tick has one disease doesn't mean it will give you both if it bites you.
Methodology
The study involved collecting ticks from vegetation and patients, analyzing them for Borrelia and TBE virus infections using various microbiological and virological methods.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of tick bites and infections due to reliance on medical treatment requests.
Limitations
The study may not account for all tick bites leading to infections, as many people do not seek medical help after being bitten.
Participant Demographics
Residents of Perm, Russia, with a population slightly over 1 million.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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