Tyrolean Government Funds TBE Study at the Institute of Virology

The Institute of Virology at the Medical University of Innsbruck has received funding approval from the Tyrolean state government for a new research project on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Tyrol. The study investigates population immunity and transmission risks associated with this tick-borne disease, with a particular focus on the Zillertal, a known TBE risk area.

As part of the project, more than 1,200 archived blood samples from Zillertal residents — collected through the Shieldvacc II study and a paediatric cohort — will be tested for TBE antibodies to build a comprehensive picture of immunity across all age groups. In addition, around 1,000 tick samples will undergo molecular analysis, with positive TBE strains sequenced and phylogenetically classified. In collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, approximately 80 bulk milk samples from the Zillertal will also be tested for TBE antibodies as a further indicator for mapping risk areas.

This multidisciplinary One Health approach aims to estimate the true number of unrecognised TBE infections and strengthen epidemiological surveillance in Tyrol. Findings will feed into ongoing collaboration with the Tyrolean State Health Directorate and help target vaccination campaigns more effectively in future.

The study is led by Institute Director Prof. Dr. Gisa Gerold, with Dr. med. univ. Barbara Falkensammer, specialist in virology and deputy head of virological diagnostics, serving as principal applicant and scientific project lead. Project partners include Prof. Dr. Lorenz Khol (University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Tyrol branch), PD Dr. Mateusz Markowicz (AGES), and further colleagues at the Medical University of Innsbruck.

The project is expected to run for approximately one and a half years.