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TBFVnet

 

A network of laboratories that study and survey Tick-Borne FlaviViruses

 

Research, health and social priorities require a multidisciplinary and cross-border approach. Our aim is to develop tools and protocols and to transfer this know-how to neighboring countries.

 

 

 

 

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Ticks

Tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFVs) are viruses that are transmitted by ticks and that cause severe disease in humans and animals. This project focuses on four TBFVs: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Powassan virus (POWV), Louping-ill virus (LIV) and Omsk hemorragic fever virus (OHFV) that are a health problem in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in other countries. There are currently no antivirals for the treatment of TBFV infections. The only vaccine available is for TBEV.

Research

Research within TBFVnet is at the clinical and veterinary level aiming to (i) share expertise, protocols, and tools for the diagnosis and surveillance of TBFVs; (ii) investigate the molecular correlates of pathogenesis of TBFVs, and (iii) develop new antivirals.

Cooperation

Within this network, researchers work together across countries to study the biology and pathogenesis of TBFV disease. This will lead to develop new tools and procedures to increase prevention and treatment capacities. The integration of research and surveillance will create an international alliance to tackle TBFVs.

Spread of Tick-borne diseases

Tick-borne diseases are widely spread in Europe and include a large number of human and animal pathogens causing severe disease. TBEV, for example, is considered to be the most relevant arbovirus endemic in Central and Eastern Europe spreading from north to west.

Bringing specific and complementary expertise from surveillance to research in flavivirus biology, the partners are located in strategic geographic regions to monitor tick-borne diseases across Europe: Czech Republic, Italy, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, and Sweden.

TBFVnet aims to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases. To this end, it seeks new partners and collaborators in neighbouring countries affected by tick-borne diseases and targeted by the Fund.

Tick-borne diseases are widely spread in Europe and include a large number of human and animal pathogens causing severe disease. TBEV, for example, is considered to be the most relevant arbovirus endemic in Central and Eastern Europe spreading from north to west.

 

Bringing specific and complementary expertise from surveillance to research in flavivirus biology, the original partners are located in strategic geographic regions to monitor tick-borne diseases across Europe: Czech Republic, Italy, Norway, Russia, Slovakia, and Sweden.

Now, Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS is no longer a partner in the project.

 

TBFVnet aims to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases. To this end, it seeks new partners and collaborators in neighbouring countries affected by tick-borne diseases and targeted by the Fund.

 

THE BIOLOGY OF TBFVs

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TBEV is considered the most relevant arbovirus in Central and Eastern Europe and in Russia, with about 13,000 estimated human cases annually causing severe diseases. Over the last decade there has been a 300% increase in the number of TBEV cases in Europe.
Infection of the vector begins when a tick takes a blood meal from an infected host: usually a wild mammal of the forest. TBEV in the blood of the host infects the tick. Through its salivary glands the tick passes the virus to the next host. Humans can be infected, either by a tick bite or by consuming unpasteurised dairy products, and can further transmit the virus by blood transfusion.

IMPLEMENTED BY

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Veterinary Research Institute

Veterinary Research Institute

Czech Republic

The Veterinary Research Institute in the  Czech Republic has a long-standing expertise in TBEV pathogenesis and antiviral discovery.

International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Italy

The ICGEB is an intergovernmental organisation with strong expertise in TBEV biology and diagnosis.

Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences

Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences

Slovakia

Topics of research at the BRC include TBEV research in pathogenesis as well as the characterisation of wild viral strains.

Former partner - Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS

Former partner - Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS

Russia

The Chumakov Institute in Moscow is a leader in Russia working with tick-borne flaviviruses.

Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Norway

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health has a wide knowledge of surveillance of TBFVs and LIV.

Former partner - Umeå University

Former partner - Umeå University

Sweden

Umeå University in Sweden is specialized in the molecular biology of TBEV infection.

NEWS

Meet Our Partners

Meet Our Partners

In a series of short videos, we hear directly from our partners and the roles of their institutes and research teams on the TBFVnet project. Daniel Ruzek, PhD, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at the Veterinary...

For more information

This project is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Regional Cooperation