Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Borrelia burgdorferi Seroprevalence in Balkan Tick-Infested Individuals: A Two-Centre Study

Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are important diseases in Europe. This study aimed to investigate the seroreactivity against Borrelia burgdorferi TBE virus (TBEV) tick-infested individuals North Macedonia Serbia. Serum samples were collected from healthy same regions. Samples tested for anti-Borrelia IgG reactivity TBEV-neutralizing antibodies. Results showed higher antigens patients donors Novi Sad compared those Skopje region. However, there was no statistically significant difference between within each No antibodies detected participants or control groups, except one person who had a moderate reaction. The highlights need improved surveillance diagnostic capabilities LB these It also suggests potential existence of TBEV foci Macedonia. findings provide complementary understanding epidemiology studied regions; however, further research is needed presence distribution spp. ticks assess significance seroreactivity.