Autor(es): Frank C, Faber M, Hellenbrand W, Wilking H, Stark K

Resumo: Vector-borne infections pathogenic to humans play an important role in Germany. The relevant zoonotic pathogens are either endemic throughout Germany (e.g. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu latu) or only in specific regions, e.g. tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus - hantavirus. They cause a substantial burden of disease. Prevention - control largely rely on public advice - the application of personal protective measures (e.g. TBE virus vaccination - protection against vectors). High quality surveillance - targeted epidemiological studies are fundamental for the evaluation of temporal - spatial risks of infection - the effectiveness of preventive measures. Aside from endemic pathogens, vector-borne infections acquired abroad, mostly transmitted by mosquitoes, have to be systematically - intensively monitored as well, to assess the risk of infection for German residents traveling abroad - to adequately evaluate the risk of autochthonous transmission. Related issues, such as invasive species of mosquitoes in Germany - climate change, have to be taken into consideration. Such pathogens include West Nile, dengue - chikungunya viruses, as well as malaria parasites (Plasmodium species). The article presents an overview of the epidemiological situation of selected relevant vector-borne infections in Germany.

Palavras-Chave: Vector-borne infections; Surveillance; Epidemiology; Prevention; Mosquitoes

Imprenta: Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz, v. 57, n. 5, p. 557-567, 2014

Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1007/s00103-013-1925-9

Descritores: Chikungunya virus - Pathogenesis; Chikungunya virus - Infectious diseases; Chikungunya virus - Viral infections; Chikungunya Virus - Virus; Chikungunya virus - Transmission; Chikungunya virus - Dengue; Chikungunya virus - Epidemiology; Chikungunya virus - Public health

Data de publicação: 2014