Studies from Technical University Munich (TU Munich) Yield New Information about Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus [Interrelation of the Spatial and Genetic Structure of Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus, Its Reservoir Host (myodes Glareolus),...].

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Technical University Munich (TU Munich) in Germany explores the interrelation between the spatial and genetic structure of the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV), its reservoir host (Myodes glareolus), and its vector (Ixodes ricinus). The study found that bank voles, the reservoir host, have a significant influence on establishing and maintaining long-term natural TBEV foci due to their genetic composition. In contrast, the genetic structure of the main vector, I. ricinus, does not play a significant role in the sustainability of these foci. The researchers suggest that further investigation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of this association. [Extracted from the article]