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Description
Tick-Borne flaviviruses (TBFVs) include a large number of human and animal pathogens causing severe diseases. Wild animals move across countries in search of food, new habitats, but also because of human and environmental pressures. When they migrate, they also carry ticks, enabling these to cover distances they could never do alone. Ticks, in turn, carry severe pathogens causing disease in humans. In this scenario severe diseases can rapidly change geographical distribution, and, when no treatment or vaccines are available to contrast these, they represent a dangerous health threat to society. Therefore, it is essential to develop common surveillance and diagnostic strategies that can help monitor how these diseases move and evolve.
This is the mission of the Tick-Borne Flaviviruses network research project (TBFVnet), which has created a network of associated laboratories across 6 different countries: Czech Republic, Russia, Slovakia, Norway, Sweden and Italy, who, as partners, develop and share common tools and protocols for the diagnosis of TBFVs. Moreover, the biology and pathogenesis of TBFVs disease is investigated with the purpose of testing novel antiviral drugs and, subsequently, to transfer best practices also to other neighbouring countries. The project underpins the reality that a vital part of science is collaboration.
We believe that these activities will lead to a stable cross-border network able to tackle TBFV diseases at all levels, through reliable and comparable data, while broadening a valuable network, and, in turn increasing the efficacy of research and surveillance in the field.
Summary of project results
TBFVs infections are expanding East-West and to Northern and Southern Europe with a patched distribution that depends on the diffusion of the vector and of the animal reservoirs. A high seasonal variability has been observed making forecasts difficult without a constant and capillary surveillance. TBFVs are mainly tackled at the national/local level and more cooperation among endemic regions is needed to better control and manage the prediction, transmission, detection, and treatment of these infections.
The project was initiated to address the challenge ticks and tick-borne viruses present for human health. It aimed at fostering collaboration among leading European laboratories specialising in tick-borne viruses.
The project facilitated the establishment of collaborations between leading European laboratories, enabling exchange of techniques, protocols, and research samples. Additionally, training sessions and meetings were conducted to enhance knowledge sharing and capacity building among project partners.
Furthermore, the project resulted in the publication of several important research findings in scientific journals. Additionally, efforts were made to disseminate project outcomes to the public through web presentations, videos, and appearances on television and radio.
The project resulted in the formation of crucial partnerships among leading laboratories in Europe, improved awareness about tick-borne viruses and contributed to the discovery of new therapeutic measures. The collaborative efforts enhanced research capabilities, leading, in particular, to the development of new protocols and technologies.
and technologies that we shared with the other partners of the consortium. This significantly improved the overall pe12 academic texts were published in respected journals and books, disseminating the results within the scientific community.
Summary of bilateral results
Bilateral cooperation facilitated the exchange of protocols, techniques, and training materials between the partners. Additionally, the collaboration resulted in the drafting of publications intended for submission to scientific journals. The donor state partner developed new tools and techniques that the Project Partners adopted, thereby improving their research potential. The collaboration enhanced the project''s results and contributed to its success.Project Partners plan to continue bilateral collaboration, either informally by joint scientific collaboration on several individual tasks related to TBEV and by further exchange of material, samples and reagents, or by implementing joint projects in the future.