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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Tick-Borne Encephalitis | Research

Tick bites in different professions and regions: pooled cross-sectional study in the focus area Bavaria, Germany

Authors: Louisa Schielein, Linda Tizek, Tilo Biedermann, Alexander Zink

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

As the vector-borne diseases tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis (LB) are common in Germany and transmitted by tick bites, the aim of this study was to assess differences in the number of tick bites in various professions and regions across southern Germany to evaluate the differences in tick-associated risk.

Materials and methods

The analysis is based on three cross-sectional studies that were conducted in 2016 and 2017 in two real-life settings and in one medical setting in Bavaria. All participants filled in a paper-based questionnaire about their history with tick bites. Only adult participants (≥ 18 years) were included in this study.

Results

Overall, 3503 individuals (mean age 50.8 ± 15.2 years, median age 53.0 ± 12.2 years, 54.0% female) were included. Of these, 50% worked in an outdoor profession and 56% lived in environs. Around 70% of participants reported at least one previous tick bite. In comparison to indoor workers, forestry workers (OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.10–5.68) had the highest risk for a tick bite followed by farmers (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01–1.47). Furthermore, people living in rural areas (OR = 1.97, 95% CI:1.49–2.59) and environs (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.54–2.55) were twice as likely to have a previous tick bite than people living in urban areas. In general, slightly more tick bites were reported by people living in eastern Bavaria.

Conclusion

Rising numbers of TBE and LB indicate the need for further prevention strategies, which should focus on outdoor professions with a higher risk and people living in environs and rural areas.

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Title: Tick bites in different professions and regions: pooled cross-sectional study in the focus area Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Louisa Schielein
Linda Tizek
Tilo Biedermann
Alexander Zink
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Tick-Borne Encephalitis
Tick
Tick
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12456-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Tick bites in different professions and regions: pooled cross-sectional study in the focus area Bavaria, Germany

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

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