Florian et al.
Widespread circulation of Alongshan virus in Austria and serological evidence for infection in humans: a nationwide molecular and serological observational study. Lancet Microbe. Published online June 8, 2026. Article d101404. doi:10.1016/j.lanmic.2026.101404.
Alongshan virus, a segmented RNA virus in the Jingmenvirus group of flavivirus-like viruses, was first identified in China in 2017 in patients with TBE-like illness. This virus has since been detected in ticks in various Asian and European countries.
A study was conducted to characterize the temporal and geographical distribution of Alongshan virus in Austria through serological and molecular screening, as well as through nationwide tick surveillance.
In ticks collected across Austria in 2024, 1–2% tested positive for Alongshan virus (by RT-PCR targeting the NSP1 and VP3 genes). The virus was also detected in archived tick specimens collected between 2005 and 2018. Full-genome sequencing revealed that the Austrian strains clustered within the European Alongshan virus group of Jingmenviruses and were phylogenetically distinct from Asian strains.
A total of 1,879 human serum samples from individuals with clinically suspected TBE or a history of tick bites were analyzed for viral RNA and/or Alongshan virus-specific IgG antibodies. No RNA-positive samples were identified; however, two individuals had high antibody titers against the Alongshan virus structural proteins VP1a and VP2.
This study indicates that Alongshan virus may be established in central Europe, where it circulates as phylogenetically distinct lineages. The lower apparent prevalence in Europe compared with China may reflect differences in transmission dynamics and human infection risk. In Asia, the principal tick vector is Ixodes persulcatus, whereas in Europe it is I. ricinus. The detection of Alongshan virus-specific antibodies in humans highlights a potential, but thus far overlooked, risk of human infection and warrants further studies to assess the public health relevance of Alongshan virus circulation in Europe.