Reviewing estimates of the burden in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of tick-borne encephalitis in Slovenia

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) reflects an increasing burden and can affect public health policy. Vaccination could be the most effective option to reduce the disease burden, this review can support national recommendations for TBE vaccination in Slovenia.

Areas covered: This burden is relatively high in Slovenia and can be estimated by using an incidence-based disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) methodology. Notably, DALYs have been estimated for Slovenia in various studies. The present study summarizes the main differences and conclusions between two studies that dealt with the calculation of DALYs for TBE in Slovenia. The databases of PubMed and Embase were used to get information about publications that dealt with the TBE burden, using an incidence-based DALYs methodology, in Slovenia.

Expert opinion: Permanent sequelae contribute the most to the total burden in DALYs. Increasing vaccination in all ages and age groups can be the most effective and efficient strategy to reduce the burden of TBE and protect the whole population health.

KEYWORDS:

• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
• burden
• disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)
• adults
• children

Article Highlights

• TBE is one of the most serious infections of the central nervous system that may lead to permanent sequelae or even death.

• TBE cases with central nervous system problems are 4.5 higher than the officially reported number.

• TBE presents an increasing burden, optimally evaluated with DALYs that can support health policy for TBE vaccination.

• Permanent sequelae contribute the most to the total burden in DALYs.

• Vaccines are safe, well tolerated and cost-effective, being the most effective way to reduce the burden of TBE.

• Increasing vaccination in all ages and age groups can be the most effective and efficient strategy to reduce the burden of TBE and protect the whole population health.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.