Spatial cluster analysis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus seroprevalence in humans, Greece

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral disease transmitted to humans by bite of infected ticks or by direct contact with blood or tissues of viremic patients or livestock. The present cross-sectional meta-analysis study is based on previous data which have shown that the human CCHFV seroprevalence in specific regions of Greece is high (>5%). In the absence of human cases, it has been suggested that a non- or low-pathogenic strain is circulating in the country causing asymptomatic infections. A spatial cluster analysis was performed to assess the geographical variations in CCHFV seropositivity and to identify the risk factors. The overall CCHFV seroprevalence is 3.8%, with significant rate difference between the eastern and western part of the country. Apart the risk factors described in previous studies (age, sex, tick bite, agropastoral activities), the altitude, the land cover type and the transitional woodland/shrub land per person, as well as the number of livestock per person, and specifically the number of goats, sheep and cattle per person, were shown to affect significantly the seroprevalence. Tick studies are needed to identify the circulating strains and unravel the mystery of CCHF epidemiology in Greece.