Hide and tick: a One Health approach to survey and reduce the disease burden of tick-borne diseases

Ticks transmit Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., the cause of Lyme borreliosis (LB), and tick-borne encephalitis virus. There is proof of ticks transmitting B. miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti and other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). The human disease burden of these pathogens in the Netherlands is not well known and the pathogenicity after infection and influence on the course of LB has not been fully demonstrated. Serology is crucial to understand the occurrence and exposure to TBPs in animals and humans.  

Aim

Thus, our goal is to assess the contribution of TBP infections to acute and long-term symptoms in patients with or without LB in the Netherlands. The current serological tests are time consuming, insensitive and non-specific, thus many TBP infections remain undetected.

(Expected) results

By screening existing cohorts with our novel multiplex immunoassay, we will facilitate early detection and treatment of TBP cases. Thereby, potentially reducing the disease burden of LB and other TBPs.