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Identifier

000414899

Title

Κροτωνογενείς λοιμώξεις στην Ελλάδα : το πρόβλημα και η πρόληψη

Alternative Title

Tick-borne diseases in Greece

Author

Γωνιωτάκης, Ιωάννης Γ.

Thesis advisor

Γαλανάκης, Εμμανουήλ
Κοφτερίδης, Διαμαντής
Παπά-Κονιδάρη, Άννα

Abstract

Ticks are obligate blood sucking ectoparasites which are responsible for many life-threatening diseases in human and animals. Many zoonoses of bacterial, viral and parasitic origin have emerged in Europe the last 30 years creating challenges for European public health authorities. The present review aims at describing the current epidemiology of tick-borne diseases in Greece and briefly analyzing the main preventive measures against these diseases from different aspects. Tick-borne rickettsial diseases are the most commonly encountered tick-borne diseases in Greece. Mediterranean Spotted Fever is the most common, while sporadic cases of other rickettioses (LAR, TIBOLA/DEBONEL and rickettsioses due to Rickettsia aeschlimannii and R. massiliae) do occur. The presence of rickettsiae in Greek ticks is well-documented. Seroepidemiological and molecular studies document the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Greece. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) cases have been described on the island of Crete (Chania). Moreover, despite the presence of Ixodes ricinus ticks in Northern Greece, Lyme disease cases are rarely described. Current data suggest very limited presence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Greece, where a single case has been documented in 2008. However, disease preparedness is essential because of the possibility of spread of CCHF from endemic foci via animal trade and via migratory birds. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is not considered endemic in Greece. Despite this fact, two serologically confirmed cases of TBE have been reported (Kavala prefecture - 2014, Argolida prefecture - 2016). The presence of Greek goat encephalitis virus (GGEV), a strain belonging to TBEV complex, emphasizes the need for further studies to decipher the actual pathogenicity of this strain. Personal protection measures are the most efficient way to prevent tick borne diseases. In Greece, information regarding personal protection measures against ticks is publicly distributed by the Hellenic CDC. TBE vaccine is not mandatory for Greek population; however, it is strongly recommended for travelers in endemic foci if they will be involved in outdoor activities during spring and summer. The only vaccines currently on market for tick borne diseases are TBE vaccines from various brands after the withdrawal of Lyme disease vaccines. The integrated tick control management plans use different control strategies to effectively reduce the number of ticks in defined areas aiming at reducing human disease by tick-transmitted pathogens. Innovative biological control methods and anti-tick vaccines are scientific objects for future research. Τhe ability of various pathogens to cross the species-specific borders explains why several vector-borne diseases affect humans. As the emergence or re-emergence of an infectious disease seems to be the result of a complex, multifactorial procedure, it seems utopian for public health to predict precisely and eliminate a future tick-borne disease threat.

Language

Greek

Subject

Anaplasma

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Human

Rickettsia

Άνθρωπος

Κρότωνες

Νοσήματα

Πρόληψη

Issue date