TBE Research

Introduction

TBE (Tick-borne) is a human viral disease caused by TBE virus (TBEV), a flavivirus, which is mostly transmitted by a tick bite. This infectious disease involves the central nervous system and manifests initially with symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, muscular aches, and nausea. The later stage of the disease will manifest with symptoms of meningitis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) and/or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
WHO has outlined that approximately one-third of TBE patients will suffer long-term complications of the disease.
Between 5.000-12.000 TBE cases are reported in Europe annually, but it is suggested that this number is grossly underestimated as this disease mimics symptoms of numerous other diseases, for example, Lyme Disease.

Objective

Tick-borne Diseases Foundations Netherlands aims to be facilitators of emerging collaborations, research, and building of awareness of Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus.

Methods

The TBD Foundation Netherlands truly believes by engaging in citizen science with a One Health approach, new research lines and deep collaboration can be funded that will eventually benefit the patient.
Specific research areas of interest for the Foundation are:

• the involvement of domestic animals in the transmission or maintenance of TBEV,
• investigating/monitoring of domestic animals as an indicator of both prevalence and risk of TBEV for humans in rural and urban living areas,
• the synergy of disease course with reactivation and/or co-infections and
• understanding of why one-third of these patients suffer long-term consequences.

Expected Results

We expect that the outputs of the research will allow actionable items for other scientists, clinicians, pet owners, diagnostic and drug companies, and provide material to enhance awareness and policy-making of this disease globally.

Conclusion

The TBD Foundation Netherlands seeks like-minded individuals to build up their collaborations to facilitate their aims. Please be in contact with us at scientificboard@tbdfoundation.org and work together to improve the lives of the patients.