Nadzor prenašalcev vektorsko prenesenih patogenov v Sloveniji

The project represents a continuation of the work carried out within the completed CRP V3-1903.

In Europe, diseases caused by pathogens transmitted by vectors have long been present. In recent times, an intensive spread of new vector species and pathogenic microorganisms to areas where they were previously unknown has been observed. Due to the diverse relief and climatic conditions in Slovenia, changes can be expected in individual areas that affect the occurrence of vectors and pathogens.

Within the previous CRP V3-1903 project, “Establishment of monitoring of vector-borne disease vectors in Slovenia”, standardized procedures for monitoring indigenous and non-native mosquito species in Slovenia were established. Important data on the distribution and abundance of vectors and pathogens in the country were obtained, representing an important basis for the work of medical entomologists and public health professionals. Continued monitoring is necessary, as the data obtained provide a basis for monitoring mosquito populations in the future. In addition to mosquitoes, ticks also need to be monitored, as they are important vectors of certain diseases. In Slovenia, the most common tick-borne diseases are Lyme borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Every year, more than 3,000 people in the country become infected with Lyme borreliosis, while the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis has increased again after a period of decline. Other pathogens are also present, such as parasites of the genus Babesia and Francisella tularensis. The vectors of these pathogens are ticks, particularly Ixodes ricinus. Special attention is also given to the two-host tick Hyalomma marginatum, a vector of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, which is spreading in the Balkans and Spain.

The project, which focuses on monitoring mosquito and tick populations in Slovenia and the pathogens they transmit, is designed as an interdisciplinary project and brings together the expertise and experience of the Institute of Microbiology and Immunology at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ljubljana, the Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies at the University of Primorska, the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, and the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Illnesses at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. The objectives of the project include monitoring populations of invasive and newly emerging mosquito species and ticks in Slovenia, including in urban areas. Particular emphasis is placed on endemic areas in the country during periods of seasonal vector activity. In addition, the project aims to identify new pathogens transmitted by vectors that are relevant to human health and to assess the risk of introduction and outbreaks of these new pathogens. As part of the fieldwork, mosquito and tick monitoring will be carried out, and the presence of pathogens in vectors will be determined using modern diagnostic approaches. The participating institutions have extensive experience in fieldwork, microbiological methods, research, clinical research, and mentoring, enabling the high-quality implementation of the project.

Monitoring vector and pathogen populations is extremely important, particularly in a changing environment due to climate change and human impact. Such monitoring is crucial for preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases, enabling the timely introduction of preventive measures, and limiting the spread of invasive vector species.