Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE)

RACSMEI addresses the high burden of infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries, including Cambodia, where limited surveillance and laboratory capacity often obscure etiologies and transmission dynamics. This knowledge gap hinders the design of effective prevention and control strategies. RACSMEI will improve understanding across multiple pathogens using a multidisciplinary One Health approach. We will answer key questions on burden, ecology, transmission and population immune status to inform targeted and culturally appropriate interventions. The project combines a nationally representative One Health survey, social-science methods, and multiplex, diverse diagnostics to efficiently test for 57 priority pathogens, including zoonotic and vector-borne agents, vaccine-preventable and elimination-targeted diseases, enteric, respiratory, and environmentally transmitted pathogens and selected neglected tropical diseases and parasites relevant to Cambodia. Mathematical modelling will reconstruct and forecast transmission dynamics and assess the potential impact of future public-health strategies. By integrating intersectoral data and innovative methods, RACSMEI will generate actionable evidence for public-health authorities, support precision One Health interventions, and help reduce disease burden in affected communities. The project also aims to ensure the transferability of methods and insights to other countries facing similar challenges.

This observational study follows children and adults who were hospitalized with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the Czech Republic. The aim is to better understand how individuals recover from TBE, which symptoms may persist after the infection, and which patients may require additional support during their recovery. Participants are examined several times after hospital discharge (at 2-4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months) to observe changes in symptoms, functional status, and daily activities. Follow-up assessments include evaluation of common post-infection problems such as tiredness, headaches, memory or concentration difficulties, sleep issues, or limb weakness. Symptoms lasting for several months are categorized as post-encephalitic syndrome (PES). The study also assesses how TBE affects daily functioning, school and work performance, and overall quality of life using questionnaires and short functional assessments. In addition, the study includes a public-health component that estimates the broader impact of TBE in the population and evaluates the potential benefits of vaccination in preventing long-term health complications. The findings aim to support improved patient care, follow-up planning, and evidence-based public-health decision-making in the Czech Republic.