[Efficacy of specific immunoglobulin against TBE (author's transl)].

The efficacy of passive immunization against tickborne encephalitis (TBE) was evaluated in Vienna by means of a telephonic survey. It was learned that in 1979 after a tickbite in endemic areas, of TBE, approximately one out of 1,000 unvaccinated persons came down with the disease. Administration of TBE immunoglobulin after exposure reduced the incidence of the disease to 1:2,500. thus showing a rate of protection of approximately 60%. The survey also showed that in 1979 one third of those at risk (frequent walks in forests) had already undergone active immunization with the Austrian TBE vaccine.