RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Risk of Exposure and Prevention of Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Among Foresters in Alsace

This study is being carried out in Alsace, France. It focuses on foresters to understand their risk of getting tick bites and illnesses spread by ticks, especially Lyme disease. Ticks are tiny creatures that can pass on germs when they bite. Lyme disease is one of the most common illnesses ticks can spread in Europe. The study wants to find out how often foresters get bitten, how many get tick-borne diseases, and how to help prevent these. It mentions that Lyme disease in Europe usually doesn't cause a high fever, so if someone has a high fever after a tick bite, doctors might look for other tick-borne infections.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

08 Jul 2025

Lyme Borreliosis

What is this study about?

Imagine you're walking through a forest, enjoying nature. Unseen, tiny creatures called ticks might be waiting on plants to latch onto you. This study is all about understanding these ticks and the illnesses they can spread, particularly in people who spend a lot of time in forests, like foresters in a region of France called Alsace. Ticks are little bugs that need to drink blood, and while they usually feed on animals, they can bite humans too.

When a tick bites, it can sometimes pass on germs that cause diseases. These are called 'tick-borne diseases'. One of the most well-known is Lyme disease, which is quite common in the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe. The study points out that in Europe, Lyme disease usually doesn't cause a high fever. So, if someone has a high temperature after a tick bite, doctors might consider other tick-borne infections that do cause fevers.

In France, there's been a noticeable rise in ticks and the diseases they carry, especially those spread by a tick called *Ixodes ricinus*. This tick particularly likes forest areas and is most active around May. Foresters, because of their job, are often in these areas and are at a higher risk of getting tick bites and related illnesses like Lyme disease. This research aims to understand this risk better among this group, which could help develop better ways to protect people from these diseases.

Key takeaways

Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease through bites.
Lyme disease in Europe typically does not cause high fevers.
Foresters in Alsace are at higher risk of tick bites due to their work.
The study aims to understand and prevent tick-borne diseases in this group.
Increased tick activity is observed in French forests, especially in May.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a forester in Alsace, France, and at least 18 years old. Both men and women can take part. You must be employed by the ONF (National Forestry Office) and regularly spend time in tick-prone areas within Alsace as part of your job. You also need to work in forestry activities with a group.

Before you can join, you'll be asked if you're willing to participate and you must agree to take part in the study. Your willingness to participate is very important.

If you don't wish to be involved in the study, then you won't be able to participate. This study is specifically for foresters who meet all the mentioned criteria.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you work as a forester in the Alsace region of France?
Are you employed by the ONF (National Forestry Office)?
Do you regularly work in groups and are exposed to ticks as part of your job?
Are you willing to participate in a research study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed aspects of participation, such as specific visits, assessments, medication, or follow-up, are not fully described in the provided information. However, based on the study's aim to understand tick exposure and tick-borne diseases, it is likely that taking part would involve sharing information about your work, your exposure to ticks, and possibly providing samples (like blood samples) to check for evidence of tick-borne diseases. The study would also likely involve answering questions about your health and any tick bites you might have had. The total duration of your participation is not specified but would depend on the study design, which could involve a single assessment or multiple check-ins over a period.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research can offer some potential benefits, such as contributing to scientific understanding about preventing tick-borne diseases, which could ultimately help protect others, including yourself. There are also potential risks, though these are not detailed in the provided information. These might include the inconvenience of assessments or providing samples during the study. If blood samples are taken, there's a small risk of discomfort or bruising at the site. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your care or job.

Locations (1)

Centre National de Référence Borrelia - CHU de Strasbourg - France
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is an illness spread by certain ticks. It can cause problems like skin rashes, joint pain, and sometimes more serious issues if not treated. Early treatment usually works well.

How do ticks spread diseases?

Ticks can pick up germs from animals they bite. If that infected tick then bites a human, it can pass those germs on. This is how diseases like Lyme disease are spread.

Are high fevers common with European Lyme disease?

No, the study says that Lyme disease in Europe usually doesn't cause a high fever (above 38°C). If you have a high fever after a tick bite, doctors might look for other tick-borne illnesses.

Why are foresters being studied?

Foresters spend a lot of time in forests, which are places where ticks live. This means they are more likely to get tick bites and potentially tick-borne diseases, so they are a key group for this research.

Where is this study taking place?

This study is focused on foresters working in the Alsace region of France.

How to find out more

Nathalie BOULANGER, PUPH

nathalie.boulanger@chru-strasbourg.fr 03 69 55 14 49 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.