Risk of Exposure and Prevention of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Among Foresters in Alsace

Last updated: July 11, 2024
Sponsor: University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Lyme Disease

Rash

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT06492668
9309
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods that feed on vertebrate hosts. Although wild and domestic animals are the primary source of tick blood meals, humans can be an accidental host. During a blood meal, a microorganism can be transmitted to the host who can develop a disease. All infectious diseases transmitted by ticks are referred to as tick-borne diseases (TBDs). They are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases in the Northern Hemisphere. Among these diseases, Lyme borreliosis is the most common.

In Europe, Lyme borreliosis does not cause high fevers (> 38°C). Therefore, when a patient presents with a high fever with the notion of exposure to ticks, another etiology must be suspected. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the tick-borne encephalitis virus are classically described as causing febrile syndromes.

In France, ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasing, particularly those associated with the Ixodes ricinus tick. This tick is mainly present in forest ecosystems with a peak of activity in May. Foresters represent a population with biting ticks and tick-borne diseases, notably Lyme borreliosis.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Major forester (≥18 years old)

  • Male or female gender

  • ONF (National Forestry Office) staff

  • Regularly exposed to ticks in Alsace (exclusively)

  • Practicing regular forestry activities in a group

  • Agreeing to participate in the study.

Exclusion

Exclusion criteria:

  • Refusal to participate in the study

Study Design

Total Participants: 20
Study Start date:
January 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
July 08, 2025

Connect with a study center

  • Centre National de Référence Borrelia - CHU de Strasbourg - France

    Strasbourg, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires De Strasbourg 67091
    France

    Active - Recruiting

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