Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease of the central nervous system transmitted through bites of certain vector ticks. It should be considered as a general term encompassing at least three syndromes caused by three subtypes of the Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus, whose range spans an area from France and Scandinavia, across Europe (Central European tick-borne encephalitis), to far eastern Russia (Russian Spring-Summer Encephalitis).

TBE is considered to be the most relevant and dangerous viral zoonosis in North-east Europe, but also emerging in northern and central regions of the continent. Common ticks like the Castor Bean tick, Ixodes ricinus, and the Taiga tick, Ixodes persulcatus, are thought to be the main reservoir and vector of the pathogen.