Vector-borne pathogens

Vector-borne pathogens are transmitted to humans through vectors, which are typically arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas. The general transmission pathway is that the vector becomes infected by feeding on the blood of an infected host (often an animal) and then transmits the pathogen to a human host through subsequent bites.

The key difference from zoonotic pathogens is that vector-borne pathogens require an intermediary vector for transmission to humans.

Norwegian Resources

The FHI (Folkehelseinstituttet) monitors the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens, such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease caused by Borrelia bacteria. They are responsible for collecting and publishing annual reports on the surveillance of diseases caused by vector-borne pathogens in Norway. In addition to vector-borne pathogens, the report (Overvåkning av infeksjonssykdommer som smitter fra mat, vann og dyr, inkludert vektorbårne sykdommer) includes infectious diseases caused by food- and waterborne and zoonotic pathogens.

Annual reports

The FHI (Folkehelseinstituttet) is responsible for collecting and publishing of annual reports on the surveillance of diseases caused by vector-borne pathogens in Norway.

MSIS

The health registry MSIS (Meldingssystem for smittsomme sykdommer) is the official system for monitoring infectious diseases in humans, including those transmitted through vector-borne pathogens in Norway.

Flåttsenteret

Flåttsenteret (The Tick Center) is a national competence center that work to increase knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases. Flåttsenteret offers information and advice on tick-borne diseases, and engage in research.

External resources

• Latest publication in Cristin
• Ongoing projects listed in Prosjektbanken