Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Research Articles

Prevalence of crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

BackgroundCCHFV is well recognized as a major public health threat and its prevalence and epidemiological distribution in Pakistan and specifically in KP province is not well documented. MethodsWe used a gold-standard PCR-based diagnostic assay for confirmation of CCHFV among suspected patients. A total of 150 patients were enrolled from June 2022 to September 2022 and their blood samples were collected for PCR confirmation. ResultsThe overall positivity rate for CCHFV was 26.67 %, with the virus mostly prevalent in the middle-aged group (21–40 years). In the July of 2022, a significant spike in the prevalence of CCHFV was observed in provincial capital Peshawar with the highest burden (31.57 %). ConclusionOur findings indicate the necessity of strengthening CCHFV monitoring programs and intensifying efforts to identify hotspot regions for effective surveillance and control of CCHFV. The months before the Eid-ul-Adha are crucial in the context of CCHFV control.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreak in Northern Senegal in 2022: Prevalence of the virus in livestock and ticks, associated risk factors and epidemiological implications.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe zoonotic arboviral disease that occurs widely in Eastern and Western Europe, Asia and Africa. The disease is becoming of growing public health importance in Senegal. However, analysis of tick infestation, CCHF virus (CCHFV) circulation extent and risk factors during ongoing outbreak are scarce. A thorough outbreak investigation was carried out during a CCHF outbreak in Podor (Northern Senegal) in August 2022. Ticks and blood samples were collected from animals (cattle, goats and sheep) randomly selected from confirmed CCHF human cases houses, neighbourhoods and surrounding villages. Blood samples were tested for CCHFV antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Tick samples were screened for CCHFV RNA by RT-PCR. Overall, tick infestation rate (TIR) and CCHFV seroprevalence of livestock were 52.12% (95% confidence interval (CI): 45.54%-58.64%) and 43.28% (95% CI: 36.33%-50.44%), respectively. The TIRs were 87.7% in cattle, 57.6% in sheep and 20.0% in goats. These rates were significantly associated with location, host species and tick control (p < 0.001) but not with animal age and sex (p > 0.7). CCHFV seroprevalence was 80.4% (95% CI: 67.57%-89.77%) in cattle, 35.4% (95% CI: 25.00%-47.01%) in sheep and 21.2% (95% CI: 12.11%-33.02%) in goats. Age, sex, location, animal host and presence of ticks were significantly associated to the presence of antibodies. The 950 ticks collected included among other species, Hyalomma impeltatum (48.84%) and H. rufipes (10.21%). Five pools of Hyalomma ssp. were found CCHFV RT-PCR positive. These infected ticks included 0.86% (4/464) of H. impeltatum collected on cattle and sheep and 1.03% (1/97) of H. rufipes collected on a sheep. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the extend of tick infestation and CCHFV infection in livestock during an outbreak in Senegal. The results highlight the risk of human infections and the importance of strengthening vector, animal and human surveillance as well as tick control measures in this area to prevent CCHF infections in humans.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in questing non-Hyalomma spp. ticks in Northwest Spain, 2021.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) unexpectedly emerged in humans in Northwest Spain in 2021, and two additional cases were reported in the region in 2022. The 2021 case was associated with a tick bite on the outskirts of the city where the patient lived. PCR analysis of 95 questing ticks collected in the outskirts of that city in 2021, none of the genus Hyalomma, revealed a prevalence of confirmed CCHF virus (CCHFV) infection of 10.5%. Our results in this emerging scenario suggest the need to consider that CCHFV may be effectively spreading to Northwest Spain and to urgently understand any possible role of non-Hyalomma spp. ticks in the eco-epidemiological dynamics of CCHFV.

Animal Exposure Model for Mapping Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Emergence Risk.

To estimate the determinants of spatial variation in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) transmission and to create a risk map as a preventive public health tool, we designed a survey of small domestic ruminants in Andalusia, Spain. To assess CCHFV exposure spatial distribution, we analyzed serum from 2,440 sheep and goats by using a double-antigen ELISA and modeled exposure probability with environmental predictors by using generalized linear mixed models. CCHFV antibodies detected in 84 samples confirmed low CCHFV prevalence in small domestic ruminants in the region. The best-fitted statistical model indicated that the most significant predictors of virus exposure risk were cattle/horse density and the normalized difference vegetation index. Model validation showed 99.7% specificity and 10.2% sensitivity for identifying CCHFV circulation areas. To map CCHFV exposure risk, we projected the model at a 1 × 1-km spatial resolution. Our study provides insight into CCHFV ecology that is useful for preventing virus transmission.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Diversity and Reassortment, Pakistan, 2017-2020.

Sporadic cases and outbreaks of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been documented across Pakistan since 1976; however, data regarding the diversity of CCHF virus (CCHFV) in Pakistan is sparse. We whole-genome sequenced 36 CCHFV samples collected from persons infected in Pakistan during 2017-2020. Most CCHF cases were from Rawalpindi (n = 10), followed by Peshawar (n = 7) and Islamabad (n = 4). Phylogenetic analysis revealed the Asia-1 genotype was dominant, but 4 reassorted strains were identified. Strains with reassorted medium gene segments clustered with Asia-2 (n = 2) and Africa-2 (n = 1) genotypes; small segment reassortments clustered with the Asia-2 genotype (n = 2). Reassorted viruses showed close identity with isolates from India, Iran, and Tajikistan, suggesting potential crossborder movement of CCHFV. Improved and continuous human, tick, and animal surveillance is needed to define the diversity of circulating CCHFV strains in Pakistan and prevent transmission.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Seroprevalence in Human and Livestock Populations, Northern Tanzania

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Seroprevalence in Human and Livestock Populations, Northern Tanzania

Development of a Novel Plasmid-based Eukaryotic Model to Investigate Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus

Development of a Novel Plasmid-based Eukaryotic Model to Investigate Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus

A retrospective study of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Iraq.

CCHF is transmitted via ticks biting and directly by contact with tissue or blood of infected patients or viremic animals. This study intends to determine the occurrence of CCHF in Iraq between 2015 and 2019. This study was designed as a retrospective and descriptive cross-sectional study. It was approved the occurrence of CCHF in Iraq with relation to some epidemiological and demographic data reported in the Iraqi Communicable Diseases Control Center (CDC)/zoonotic diseases section between 2015-2019. Out of 206 suspected cases, only 17 were diagnosed as CCHF with a total fatality ratio of 52%, 25%, and 80% in 2015 and 2018 respectively. However, no mortality was reported during 2016, 2017, and 2019. The mean age of the patients was 33 years± 18 SD, in males mainly (76%). Moreover, the risk groups were 29 %, 23 %, 18 % 12 %, and 6 % for butchers, animal dealers, gainers, both housewives and students and children respectively. Strict precautions and precise surveillance should be implemented to control the disease and protect the community by improving the diagnosis and treatment of CCHF. The authors recommend another future study to detect the genotyping and sequencing of CCHFV in Iraq.

Case Management of Imported Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, Senegal, July 2023.

We report an imported Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever case in Senegal. The patient received PCR confirmation of virus infection 10 days after symptom onset. We identified 46 patient contacts in Senegal; 87.7% were healthcare professionals. Strengthening border crossing and community surveillance systems can help reduce the risks of infectious disease transmission.

Efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Outbreak of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Quetta,Pakistan

Outbreak of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Quetta,Pakistan

Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus uses LDLR to bind and enter host cells

Climate change and population densities accelerated transmission of highly pathogenic viruses to humans, including the Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Here we report that the Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor (LDLR) is a critical receptor for CCHFV cell entry, playing a vital role in CCHFV infection in cell culture and blood vessel organoids. The interaction between CCHFV and LDLR is highly specific, with other members of the LDLR protein family failing to bind to or neutralize the virus. Biosensor experiments demonstrate that LDLR specifically binds the surface glycoproteins of CCHFV. Importantly, mice lacking LDLR exhibit a delay in CCHFV-induced disease. Furthermore, we identified the presence of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) on CCHFV particles. Our findings highlight the essential role of LDLR in CCHFV infection, irrespective of ApoE presence, when the virus is produced in tick cells. This discovery holds profound implications for the development of future therapies against CCHFV.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in the World. Epidemiological and Epizootiological Situation in the Russian Federation in 2023 and Forecast for 2024

The review features the situation on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in the world and the analysis of the epidemiological and epizootiological situation in the Russian Federation in 2023. The number of CCHF cases (26) in Russia was 2.3 times less than in 2022, and 71.6 % lower than the long-term average (in 2013–2022 – an average of 88.8 cases per year, mortality (8 %) is 2.4 times higher than the long-term average (3.3 %). The epidemically significant indicator of the abundance of the main vector of the CCHF virus, ticks Hyalomma marginatum, was 5 times higher than the threshold value (abundance index for cattle – 15.5) at long-term observation points in April. For the first time, one case of CCHF disease was registered in a new epidemically active territory – in the Botlikh and Novolaksky districts of the Republic of Dagestan. For the first time in the Zaporozhye Region, RNA of the CCHF virus was detected in ticks H. marginatum and Rhipicephalus rossicus. Markers of CCHF virus were found in 0.67–18.27 % of samples, CCHF virus variants of the genetic line Europe 1 were circulating on the territory of Russia in 2023. According to the forecast of the epidemic situation for 2024, CCHF morbidity is likely to increase in the south of the European part of Russia. The recommendations for undertaking preventive measures have been provided.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus prevalence in livestock of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Central India and its implications for public health

The rise of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), poses a significant global health challenge, urging immediate action and continuous surveillance. With no available vaccines, monitoring pathogen presence is critical to identify at-risk areas promptly. A study was designed to assess the incidence of CCHF virus in goats and cattle using commercial ELISA IgG kits in tribal-dominated regions. Overall, 16% of the samples (n = 63/393) were positive for CCHF virus-specific IgG antibodies, whereas sero-prevalence detected in cattle 11.6% [95% CI:7–17.7] and in goats 18.9% [95% CI: 13.76–24.01], respectively. Statistically, Animal gender and age didn't significantly affect prevalence (p-value >0.05). Our finding indicates unnoticed CCHF virus circulation. Notably, lack of public awareness about zoonotic diseases in the study region was recorded. To combat this emerging tick-borne disease effectively, it's crucial to screen individuals with hemorrhagic manifestations in healthcare settings and active surveillance of ticks to prevent unwarranted public health outbreaks and design preventive interventions.

Establishment of a lethal mouse model of emerging tick-borne orthonairovirus infections.

Emerging and reemerging tick-borne virus infections caused by orthonairoviruses (family Nairoviridae), which are genetically distinct from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, have been recently reported in East Asia. Here, we have established a mouse infection model using type-I/II interferon receptor-knockout mice (AG129 mice) both for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these infections and validation of antiviral agents using Yezo virus (YEZV), a novel orthonairovirus causing febrile illnesses associated with tick bites in Japan and China. YEZV-inoculated AG129 mice developed hepatitis with body weight loss and died by 6 days post infection. Blood biochemistry tests showed elevated liver enzyme levels, similar to YEZV-infected human patients. AG129 mice treated with favipiravir survived lethal YEZV infection, demonstrating the anti-YEZV effect of this drug. The present mouse model will help us better understand the pathogenicity of the emerging tick-borne orthonairoviruses and the development of specific antiviral agents for their treatment.

Lactate/Albumin Ratio as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

Objective:This study aimed to determine the relationship of lactate/albumin (L/A) ratio with prognosis and fatality in CCHF patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 260 patients diagnosed with CCHF between January 2019 and December 2022, 36 of whom were deceased and 224 of whom were alive, were retrospectively included in the study. The findings of survivor and non-survivor patients were compared. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender. While albumin, glucose and platelet levels were quite low in the patient group who died due to CCHF (p

Assessing One Health capacities for transboundary zoonotic diseases at the Libya-Tunisia border

BackgroundThe dynamic nature of zoonotic emergence, spillover and spread necessitates multisectoral coordination beyond national borders to encompass cross-boundary and regional cooperation. Designated points of entry (POEs), specifically ground crossings, serve as critical locales for establishing and maintaining robust prevention, detection, notification, coordination, and response mechanisms to transboundary emerging and re-emerging disease threats. In order to better assess One Health capacities for transboundary zoonotic diseases (TZD) prevention, detection and response we adapted an existing tool, One Health Systems Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OHSAPZ), for a cross-border, POE setting in North Africa.MethodsThe One Health Transboundary Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OHTAPZ) tool was used to support prioritization of transboundary zoonoses and analyze operational capacities between national and subnational-level human and animal health stakeholders from Libya and Tunisia. Country partners jointly identified and prioritized five TZDs of concern. Case study scenarios for each priority pathogen were used to elicit current disease operations, as well as multisectoral and bilateral engagement networks. Finally, a gap analysis was performed to determine bilateral strengths and weaknesses to TZDs.ResultsThe five priority TZDs jointly confirmed to undergo One Health assessment were avian influenza (low and high pathogenic strains); brucellosis; Rift Valley fever; Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever; and rabies. Using the qualitative information collected, a transboundary systems map schematic was developed outlining the movement of human patients, animals, diagnostic samples, and routes of communication and coordination both within and between countries for zoonotic diseases.ConclusionsAnalysis of current operations (prevention, detection, surveillance, laboratory capacity, quarantine/isolation, and response) and the resulting transboundary systems map schematic helped identify existing capacity strengths for certain priority pathogens, as well as challenges to timely information-sharing and coordination. We developed targeted recommendations to address these limitations for joint action planning between Libya and Tunisia.

Epidemic survey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever infections in the Iraqi population during 2022

The primary cause of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a virus spread by ticks. The rate of frequency of case mortality is 10–40%, which is spurred on by the CCHF virus, which also produces severe viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks. The current study can be viewed as an epidemiological survey of CCHF infections in Iraq, with the goal of better understanding block virus transmission and preventing the risk of contracting the disease. Approximately 1370 blood samples from suspect patients were taken and separated; then, the serum was processed to remove viral RNA and tested for CCHF infection using specialized kits. Results revealed 382 (27.9%) positive cases, including 76 (19.9%) positive patients with dying compared to 306 (80.1%) who experienced cures. Findings showed a significant incidence of more than 50% of the positive cases having contact with animals and raw meat, 33% slaughtering, and 36% tick bites. Furthermore, 125 (32.7%) homemakers and 64 (16.8%) butchers had the most significant infection percentage. With 42.4% of all infections, Thiqar province had the most infected patients, followed by Misan with 9.7%, then Wasit and Babil. With 27.2% of all infections, May had the most CCHF-positive infections, followed by June and July. In conclusion, in response to the initial wave counterattack in southern Iraq, public health interventions on the veterinarian side should be implemented; these should eliminate, or at least decrease, the impact of a second wave. Illegal trading practices must be controlled if zoonotic diseases like CCHF are to stop spreading. Keywords: CCHF, Iraqi provinces, RT-PCR, tick bites, zoonotic disease.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: A Systematic Review

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is an predominatingly lethal viral contagion qualified in around thirty countries, and it has the roughly inclusive geographic allocation of the medically significant tick borne viral infections. Human become infected by tick bites, through pulverize infected ticks, next to contact with a case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever pending the acute stage of infection, or through handle with tissues or blood from viremic kine. Clinical features mostly display a spectacular progression recognized by myalgia, fever and bleeding. The best method used for diagnosis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus by real time polymerase chain reaction.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus: From Genomic Insights to Control Strategies

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a life-threatening arthropod-borne virus transmitted by tick bites or contact with blood or tissues of viraemic individuals and animals. CCHFV continues its existence in a broad region with sporadic cases or outbreaks. CCHFV infection is observed frequently as an asymptomatic, but sudden severe disease characterised by haemorrhagic can occur. Diagnostic methods employ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Although ribavirin has been recommended in treatment besides supportive therapy approaches, no antiviral or vaccine for CCHF is currently approved. This review demonstrates general knowledge of CCHFV, summarising its molecular biology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, epidemiology, sustaining and transmission, treatment and prevention strategies, including vaccine candidates.