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Degui D, Hachid A, Derrar F, Messahel NE, Bia T, Mockbel Y, Trabelsi MK, Khardine AF, Bellout L, Benaissa MH, Leulmi H, Lafri M, Khelef D, Kaidi R, Bouguedour R, Bitam I, Hakem A, Lafri I. A survey of the tick-borne disease Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in southern Algeria: First serological evidence in the dromedary camel population. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 54:101089. [PMID: 39237233 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral zoonosis caused by a Nairovirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Despite its wide geographical distribution, the epidemiology of CCHF in northern Africa is incompletely understood and its occurrence in Algeria is virtually unknown. The present survey aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHF antibodies and to identify the potential risk factors associated with CCHFV seropositivity among the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in southern Algeria. A total of 269 camels selected randomly from slaughterhouses in three wilayas were employed in the study. Sera sampled were tested for the presence of CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CCHFV seropositivity was recorded in 255 out of 269 camels accounting for a prevalence rate of 94.8% (95%CI = 92.14-97.45). The seroprevalence by origin was determined to be 97% (193/199) in imported camels and 86% (49/57) in local ones (p > 0.25). Tick presence (OR = 12.35, 95%CI = 1.41-107.43, p < 0.05) was recorded as the only potential risk factor for contracting CCHFV. This study shows for the first time that camels are exposed to CCHFV in Algeria with a significantly high seroprevalence. It also underlines the need for further research to investigate the broader extent of circulating CCHFV in the country, whether in humans, animals, or ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djilali Degui
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria; Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Aissam Hachid
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université d'Alger 1, Alger 16000, Algeria; Laboratoire des Arbovirus et Virus Emergents, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Fawzi Derrar
- Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Alger 1, Alger 16000, Algeria; Laboratoire des Grippes et Virus Respiratoires, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Nacer Eddine Messahel
- Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université Sétif 1, Sétif 19000, Algeria
| | - Taha Bia
- Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Mostaganem, Mostaganem 27000, Algeria
| | - Youcef Mockbel
- Inspection Vétérinaire, Direction des Services Agricoles de la wilaya de Tindouf, Algeria
| | - Melissa Katia Trabelsi
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria; Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Ahmed Fayez Khardine
- Laboratoire des Arbovirus et Virus Emergents, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Lydia Bellout
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Mohammed Hocine Benaissa
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique Et Technique Sur Les Régions Arides (CRSTRA), 55000, Touggourt, Algeria
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Mohamed Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria; Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Djamel Khelef
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Rachid Kaidi
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria; Laboratoire des Biotechnologies Liées à la Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | - Rachid Bouguedour
- Organisation Mondiale de la Santé Animale (OMSA), Représentation Sous Régionale de l'Afrique du Nord, 17 Avenue d'Afrique - El Menzah 5, 2091 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Idir Bitam
- Centre de Recherche en Agropastoralisme (CRAPast) Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | - Ahcéne Hakem
- Centre de Recherche en Agropastoralisme (CRAPast) Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université de Blida 1, Blida 09000, Algeria; Laboratoire de Bactériologie Vétérinaire, Département de Microbiologie et Pathologie Vétérinaire, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, Alger 16000, Algeria.
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Deézsi-Magyar N, Dénes B, Novák B, Zsidei G, Déri D, Henczkó J, Pályi B, Kis Z. First Broad-Range Serological Survey of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever among Hungarian Livestock. Viruses 2024; 16:875. [PMID: 38932166 PMCID: PMC11209279 DOI: 10.3390/v16060875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne disease endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Balkan and Mediterranean regions of Europe. Although no human CCHF cases have been reported, based on vector presence, serological evidence among small vertebrates, and the general human population, Hungary lies within high evidence consensus for potential CCHF introduction and future human infection. Thus, the aim of our pilot serosurvey was to assess CCHF seropositivity among cattle and sheep as indicator animals for virus circulation in the country. (2) Methods: In total, 1905 serum samples taken from free-range cattle and sheep in 2017 were tested for the presence of anti-CCHF virus IgG antibodies using commercial ELISA and commercial and in-house immunofluorescent assays. (3) Results: We found a total of eleven reactive samples (0.58%) from five administrative districts of Hungary comprising 8 cattle and 3 sheep. The most affected regions were the south-central and northwestern parts of the country. (4) Conclusions: Based on these results, more extended surveillance is advised, especially in the affected areas, and there should be greater awareness among clinicians and other high-risk populations of the emerging threat of CCHF in Hungary and Central Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nóra Deézsi-Magyar
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Dénes
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1143 Budapest, Hungary;
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
- Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, National Food Chain Safety Office, 1024 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bereniké Novák
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Gyula Zsidei
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Dániel Déri
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
| | - Judit Henczkó
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- School of PhD Studies, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Pályi
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA-AISBL), B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zoltán Kis
- National Biosafety Laboratory, National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, 1097 Budapest, Hungary (B.N.); (D.D.)
- European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA-AISBL), B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Bost C, Castro-Scholten S, Sadeghi B, Cano-Terriza D, Frías M, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Groschup MH, García-Bocanegra I, Fischer K. Approaching the complexity of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus serology: A study in swine. J Virol Methods 2024; 326:114915. [PMID: 38479590 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne zoonotic orthonairovirus of public health concern and widespread geographic distribution. Several animal species are known to seroconvert after infection with CCHFV without showing clinical symptoms. The commercial availability of a multi-species ELISA has led to an increase in recent serosurveillance studies as well as in the range of species reported to be exposed to CCHFV in the field, including wild boar (Sus scrofa). However, development and validation of confirmatory serological tests for swine based on different CCHFV antigens or test principles are hampered by the lack of defined control sera from infected and non-infected animals. For the detection of anti-CCHFV antibodies in swine, we established a swine-specific in-house ELISA using a panel of swine sera from CCHFV-free regions and regions with reported CCHFV circulation. We initially screened more than 700 serum samples from wild boar and domestic pigs and observed a correlation of ≃67% between the commercial and the in-house test. From these sera, we selected a panel of 60 samples that were further analyzed in a newly established indirect immunofluorescence assay (iIFA) and virus neutralization test. ELISA-non-reactive samples tested negative. Interestingly, only a subset of samples reactive in both ELISA and iIFA displayed CCHFV-neutralizing antibodies. The observed partial discrepancy between the tests may be explained by different test sensitivities, antibody cross-reactivities or suggests that the immune response to CCHFV in swine is not necessarily associated with eliciting neutralizing antibodies. Overall, this study highlights that meaningful CCHFV serology in swine, and possibly other species, should involve the performance of multiple tests and careful interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bost
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Greifswald-Insel, Germany
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain
| | - Balal Sadeghi
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Greifswald-Insel, Germany
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Mario Frías
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba 14004, Spain
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Greifswald-Insel, Germany
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba 14004, Spain; CIBERINFEC, ISCIII - CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Kerstin Fischer
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Riems, Greifswald-Insel, Germany.
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Samkange A, Mbiri P, Matomola OC, Zaire G, Homateni A, Junias E, Kaatura I, Khaiseb S, Ekandjo S, Shoopala J, Hausiku M, Shilongo A, Mujiwa ML, Dietze K, Busch F, Winter C, Matos C, Weiss S, Chitanga S. Serological Evidence of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Livestock in the Omaheke Region of Namibia. Microorganisms 2024; 12:838. [PMID: 38674782 PMCID: PMC11051821 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This research examined the positivity ratio of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) antibodies in cattle and sheep within Namibia's Omaheke region after a human disease outbreak in the same geographical area. A total of 200 samples (100 cattle and 100 sheep) were randomly collected from animals brought to two regional auction sites, and then tested using the ID Screen® CCHF Double Antigen Multi-Species Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Of the cattle samples, 36% tested positive, while 22% of the sheep samples were seropositive. The cattle had a significantly higher positivity ratio than sheep at the individual animal level (p = 0.0291). At the herd level, 62.5% of cattle herds and 45.5% of sheep flocks had at least one positive animal, but this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.2475). The fourteen cattle farms with at least one seropositive animal were dispersed across the Omaheke region. In contrast, the ten sheep farms with seropositive cases were predominantly situated in the southern half of the region. The study concluded that the CCHF is endemic in the Omaheke region and likely in most of Namibia, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of CCHFV on animal health and potential spillover into human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaster Samkange
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (A.S.); (P.M.); (O.C.M.); (I.K.); (S.K.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Pricilla Mbiri
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (A.S.); (P.M.); (O.C.M.); (I.K.); (S.K.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Ophelia Chuma Matomola
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (A.S.); (P.M.); (O.C.M.); (I.K.); (S.K.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Georgina Zaire
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (G.Z.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (S.E.); (J.S.); (M.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Anna Homateni
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (G.Z.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (S.E.); (J.S.); (M.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Elifas Junias
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (G.Z.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (S.E.); (J.S.); (M.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Israel Kaatura
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (A.S.); (P.M.); (O.C.M.); (I.K.); (S.K.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Siegfried Khaiseb
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (A.S.); (P.M.); (O.C.M.); (I.K.); (S.K.); (M.L.M.)
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (G.Z.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (S.E.); (J.S.); (M.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Simson Ekandjo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (G.Z.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (S.E.); (J.S.); (M.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Johannes Shoopala
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (G.Z.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (S.E.); (J.S.); (M.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Magrecia Hausiku
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (G.Z.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (S.E.); (J.S.); (M.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Albertina Shilongo
- Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Private Bag 13184, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (G.Z.); (A.H.); (E.J.); (S.E.); (J.S.); (M.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Mushabati Linus Mujiwa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (A.S.); (P.M.); (O.C.M.); (I.K.); (S.K.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Klaas Dietze
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler Institute, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (K.D.); (F.B.)
| | - Frank Busch
- Institute of International Animal Health/One Health, Friedrich-Loeffler Institute, 17489 Greifswald, Germany; (K.D.); (F.B.)
| | - Christian Winter
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.W.); (C.M.); (S.W.)
| | - Carolina Matos
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.W.); (C.M.); (S.W.)
| | - Sabrina Weiss
- Centre for International Health Protection, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.W.); (C.M.); (S.W.)
| | - Simbarashe Chitanga
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek 10005, Namibia; (A.S.); (P.M.); (O.C.M.); (I.K.); (S.K.); (M.L.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
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Baz-Flores S, Jiménez-Martín D, Peralbo-Moreno A, Herraiz C, Cano-Terriza D, Cuadrado-Matías R, García-Bocanegra I, Ruiz-Fons F. Animal Exposure Model for Mapping Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Emergence Risk. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:672-680. [PMID: 38526057 PMCID: PMC10977842 DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.221604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Kapo N, Zuber Bogdanović I, Gagović E, Žekić M, Veinović G, Sukara R, Mihaljica D, Adžić B, Kadriaj P, Cvetkovikj A, Djadjovski I, Potkonjak A, Velo E, Savić S, Tomanović S, Omeragić J, Beck R, Hodžić A. Ixodid ticks and zoonotic tick-borne pathogens of the Western Balkans. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:45. [PMID: 38297327 PMCID: PMC10832161 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ixodid ticks are distributed across all countries of the Western Balkans, with a high diversity of species. Many of these species serve as vectors of pathogens of veterinary and medical importance. Given the scattered data from Western Balkan countries, we have conducted a comprehensive review of available literature, including some historical data, with the aim to compile information about all recorded tick species and associated zoonotic pathogens in this region. Based on the collected data, the tick fauna of the Western Balkans encompasses 32 tick species belonging to five genera: Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma. A range of pathogens responsible for human diseases has also been documented, including viruses, bacteria and parasites. In this review, we emphasize the necessity for integrated surveillance and reporting, urging authorities to foster research by providing financial support. Additionally, international and interdisciplinary collaborations should be encouraged that include the exchange of expertise, experiences and resources. The present collaborative effort can effectively address gaps in our knowledge of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naida Kapo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | | | - Ema Gagović
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Žekić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gorana Veinović
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ratko Sukara
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Darko Mihaljica
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojan Adžić
- Diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Përparim Kadriaj
- Vector Control Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Igor Djadjovski
- Veterinary Institute, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Aleksandar Potkonjak
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Enkelejda Velo
- Vector Control Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Sara Savić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Snežana Tomanović
- Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jasmin Omeragić
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CMESS), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Limon G, Maze EA, Hannant K, Hughes E, Tchakarova SR, Alexandrov T, Mmbaga BT, Willett B, Booth G, Lyons NA, Baker N, Thomas KM, Wright D, Saunders J, Browning C, Wilsden G, Carroll M, Hewson R, Charleston B, Lambe T, Ludi AB. Development of anti-Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus Gc and NP-specific ELISA for detection of antibodies in domestic animal sera. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:913046. [PMID: 36090164 PMCID: PMC9454098 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.913046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a priority emerging disease. CCHF, caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV), can lead to hemorrhagic fever in humans with severe cases often having fatal outcomes. CCHFV is maintained within a tick-vertebrate-tick cycle, which includes domestic animals. Domestic animals infected with CCHFV do not show clinical signs of the disease and the presence of antibodies in the serum can provide evidence of their exposure to the virus. Current serological tests are specific to either one CCHFV antigen or the whole virus antigen. Here, we present the development of two in-house ELISAs for the detection of serum IgG that is specific for two different CCHFV antigens: glycoprotein Gc (CCHFV Gc) and nucleoprotein (CCHFV NP). We demonstrate that these two assays were able to detect anti-CCHFV Gc-specific and anti-CCHFV NP-specific IgG in sheep from endemic CCHFV areas with high specificity, providing new insight into the heterogeneity of the immune response induced by natural infection with CCHFV in domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ellen Hughes
- Medical Research Council (MRC)-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CRV), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Brian Willett
- Medical Research Council (MRC)-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CRV), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Natalie Baker
- Research and Evaluation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly M. Thomas
- Research and Evaluation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Wright
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Saunders
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Miles Carroll
- Pandemic Science Institute, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Roger Hewson
- Research and Evaluation, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, United Kingdom
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Teresa Lambe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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8
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Mesquita JR, Cruz R, Esteves F, Santos C, Pousa H, Coelho C, Mega AC, Nóbrega C, Vala H, Peyrefitte CN, Nascimento MSJ, Barradas PF. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus circulating among sheep of Portugal: a nationwide serosurvey assessment. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:237. [PMID: 35864408 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03238-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a widespread zoonotic pathogen that can cause mild to severe hemorrhagic disease in humans. CCHFV may be transmitted through direct contact with tissue or blood of viremic animals; however, the primary transmission route is through infected tick bites. CCHFV RNA has been detected in ticks feeding on domestic and wild animals in western Spain, suggesting an established circulation of CCHFV in Western Europe. Ruminants have been recognized as important CCHFV reservoirs and have been linked to human cases in endemic regions. Given the emergence of CCHF in neighboring Spain, and a report of two CCHFV seropositive humans in southern Portugal in 1985, we investigated the potential circulation of this virus in the country by performing a nationwide anti-CCHFV IgG serosurvey in sentinel sheep of Portugal. Sera (n = 459) randomly selected from widely distributed farms (n = 20) of Portugal were tested using a commercial double-antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-1.56%). Positive sheep were from the southern region of Portugal (Alentejo region), which raise the seroprevalence of this region to 0.74% (95% CI 0.09-2.66%). This is the first study reporting the presence of CCHFV antibodies in sheep of Portugal, thus suggesting a geographical expansion of CCHFV to this country. It seems likely that CCHFV may exist focally in southern Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- João R Mesquita
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Cruz
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), , Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Studies in Education and Health Technologies (CI&DETS), Viseu, Portugal
| | - Fernando Esteves
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), , Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Studies in Education and Health Technologies (CI&DETS), Viseu, Portugal
| | - Carla Santos
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), , Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for Studies in Education and Health Technologies (CI&DETS), Viseu, Portugal
| | - Humberto Pousa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Coelho
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), , Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-Os-Montes E Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes E Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Mega
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), , Viseu, Portugal
| | - Carmen Nóbrega
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), , Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-Os-Montes E Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Helena Vala
- Agrarian School of Viseu, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (ESAV), , Viseu, Portugal.,Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-Os-Montes E Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Christophe Nicolas Peyrefitte
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale Des Armées, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France.,Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal.,Unité Des Virus ÉmergentsUniversité Aix Marseille, IRD190, INSERM1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Patrícia Ferreira Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal. .,OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Porto, Portugal.
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9
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Bernard C, Holzmuller P, Bah MT, Bastien M, Combes B, Jori F, Grosbois V, Vial L. Systematic Review on Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Enzootic Cycle and Factors Favoring Virus Transmission: Special Focus on France, an Apparently Free-Disease Area in Europe. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:932304. [PMID: 35928117 PMCID: PMC9343853 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.932304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral zoonotic disease resulting in hemorrhagic syndrome in humans. Its causative agent is naturally transmitted by ticks to non-human vertebrate hosts within an enzootic sylvatic cycle. Ticks are considered biological vectors, as well as reservoirs for CCHF virus (CCHFV), as they are able to maintain the virus for several months or even years and to transmit CCHFV to other ticks. Although animals are not symptomatic, some of them can sufficiently replicate the virus, becoming a source of infection for ticks as well as humans through direct contact with contaminated body fluids. The recent emergence of CCHF in Spain indicates that tick-human interaction rates promoting virus transmission are changing and lead to the emergence of CCHF. In other European countries such as France, the presence of one of its main tick vectors and the detection of antibodies targeting CCHFV in animals, at least in Corsica and in the absence of human cases, suggest that CCHFV could be spreading silently. In this review, we study the CCHFV epidemiological cycle as hypothesized in the French local context and select the most likely parameters that may influence virus transmission among tick vectors and non-human vertebrate hosts. For this, a total of 1,035 articles dating from 1957 to 2021 were selected for data extraction. This study made it possible to identify the tick species that seem to be the best candidate vectors of CCHFV in France, but also to highlight the importance of the abundance and composition of local host communities on vectors' infection prevalence. Regarding the presumed transmission cycle involving Hyalomma marginatum, as it might exist in France, at least in Corsica, it is assumed that tick vectors are still weakly infected and the probability of disease emergence in humans remains low. The likelihood of factors that may modify this equilibrium is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Bernard
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
- French Establishment for Fighting Zoonoses (ELIZ), Malzéville, France
| | - Philippe Holzmuller
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Madiou Thierno Bah
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Matthieu Bastien
- French Establishment for Fighting Zoonoses (ELIZ), Malzéville, France
| | - Benoit Combes
- French Establishment for Fighting Zoonoses (ELIZ), Malzéville, France
| | - Ferran Jori
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Vladimir Grosbois
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurence Vial
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
- ASTRE, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
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10
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Goletic T, Satrovic L, Softic A, Omeragic J, Goletic S, Soldo DK, Spahic AK, Zuko A, Satrovic E, Alic A. Serologic and molecular evidence for circulation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks and cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102004. [PMID: 35834930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus is a tick-borne zoonotic agent of the genus Orthonairovirus, and the causal agent of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in humans. The study is aimed at investigating the presence of CCHFV RNA in ticks and cattle in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), as well as the exposure of cattle to CCHFV in this country. Only one pool of three male Hyalomma marginatum ticks tested positive for viral RNA (3/760, 0.39%). No viral RNA was detected in 206 bovine blood samples using real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR). The overall seroprevalence of CCHFV in the cattle population was estimated as 14.97% (72/481). The results indicate the presence and the established circulation of CCHFV in B&H. Considering the endemic character of CCHFV in the Balkans as well as our results, the possibility that CCHFV is endemic in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered to be very high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teufik Goletic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Lejla Satrovic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Adis Softic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Jasmin Omeragic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Sejla Goletic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Darinka Klaric Soldo
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amira Koro Spahic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Almedina Zuko
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Edin Satrovic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amer Alic
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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11
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Bratuleanu B, Anita A, Temmam S, Dascalu A, Crivei L, Cozma A, Pourquier P, Savuta G, Eloit M, Anita D. Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Among Small Ruminants from Southern Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:397-401. [PMID: 35772004 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease that can be contracted by direct contact with viremic animals or humans. Domestic animals are accidental hosts and contribute to the spread and amplification of the virus. The main objective of this study was to provide updated information related to CCHF virus (CCHFV) infection in Southern Romania by assessing the seroprevalence of CCHF in small ruminants (sheep and goats) using a double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by detection of CCHFV in engorged ticks and serum samples using real-time RT-PCR. The overall seroprevalence of CCHF in small ruminants was 37.7% (95% CI 31.7 to 43.7). No statistical seroprevalence difference was observed between the two species of ruminants (p = 0.76), but a significant difference was established between the locations (p < 0.01). No CCHFV RNA was detected in tick pools and small ruminant's sera tested by real-time RT-PCR, although the high seroprevalence to CCHFV among ruminants indicates that CCHV or a closely related virus circulates in Southern Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Bratuleanu
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
| | - Adriana Anita
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
| | - Sarah Temmam
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,OIE Collaborating Centre for Detection and Identification in Humans of Emerging Animal Pathogens, Institute Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Anca Dascalu
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
| | - Luciana Crivei
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
| | - Andreea Cozma
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Gheorghe Savuta
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
| | - Marc Eloit
- Pathogen Discovery Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,OIE Collaborating Centre for Detection and Identification in Humans of Emerging Animal Pathogens, Institute Pasteur, Paris, France.,Alfort National Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Dragos Anita
- Regional Center of Advanced Research for Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses and Food Safety (ROVETEMERG), "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
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12
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Distribution of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals and Their Ticks in the Countries of the Mediterranean Basin between 2000 and 2021: A Systematic Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061236. [PMID: 35744755 PMCID: PMC9228937 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) include a wide range of bacteria, parasites and viruses that cause a large spectrum of animal, human and zoonotic tick-borne diseases (TBDs). The object of this review was to establish an inventory and an analysis of TBPs found in domestic animals in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin. This geographic area occupies a central position between several continents and is an area of movement for animals, humans and pathogens of interest and their vectors, which is important in terms of animal and human health. In this systematic review, we included a total of 271 publications produced between 2000–2021 concerning TBPs in domestic animals. Among this literature, we found a total of 90 pathogen species (known as TBPs) reported in the 20 countries of the area; these were detected in tick species from domestic animals and were also directly detected in domestic animals. In all, 31 tick species were recorded and 12 domestic animal species, the latter comprising nine livestock and three pet species. More than 50% of the publications were from Western Europe. Island data were extracted and assessed, as islands of the Mediterranean Basin were represented in 16% of the publications and 77.8% of the TBPs reported. Our results show the importance of islands in the monitoring of TBPs, despite the low percentage of publications.
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13
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Ticks on the Run: A Mathematical Model of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)-Key Factors for Transmission. EPIDEMIOLGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 3:116-134. [PMID: 36417271 PMCID: PMC9620928 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are the main vectors and represent a reservoir for the virus. CCHF is maintained in nature in an endemic vertebrate-tick-vertebrate cycle. The disease is prevalent in wide geographical areas including Asia, Africa, South-Eastern Europe and the Middle East. It is of great importance for the public health given its occasionally high case/fatality ratio of CCHFV in humans. Climate change and the detection of possible CCHFV vectors in Central Europe suggest that the establishment of the transmission in Central Europe may be possible in future. We have developed a compartment-based nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) system to model the disease transmission cycle including blood sucking ticks, livestock and human. Sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number R0 shows that decreasing the tick survival time is an efficient method to control the disease. The model supports us in understanding the influence of different model parameters on the spread of CCHFV. Tick-to-tick transmission through co-feeding and the CCHFV circulation through transstadial and transovarial transmission are important factors to sustain the disease cycle. The proposed model dynamics are calibrated through an empirical multi-country analysis and multidimensional plot reveals that the disease-parameter sets of different countries burdened with CCHF are different. This information may help decision makers to select efficient control strategies.
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14
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Nasirian H. Ticks infected with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV): A decision approach systematic review and meta-analysis regarding their role as vectors. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 47:102309. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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González Gordon L, Bessell PR, Nkongho EF, Ngwa VN, Tanya VN, Sander M, Ndip L, Morgan KL, Handel IG, Mazeri S, Bronsvoort BM, Kelly RF. Seroepidemiology of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever among cattle in Cameroon: Implications from a One Health perspective. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010217. [PMID: 35312678 PMCID: PMC8936485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral zoonotic disease distributed across several continents and recognized as an ongoing health threat. In humans, the infection can progress to a severe disease with high fatality, raising public health concerns due to the limited prophylactic and therapeutic options available. Animal species, clinically unaffected by the virus, serve as viral reservoirs and amplifier hosts, and can be a valuable tool for surveillance. Little is known about the occurrence and prevalence of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in Cameroon. Knowledge on CCHFV exposure and the factors associated with its presence in sentinel species are a valuable resource to better understand transmission dynamics and assess local risks for zoonotic disease emergence. Methods and findings We conducted a CCHFV serological survey and risk factor analysis for animal level seropositivity in pastoral and dairy cattle in the North West Region (NWR) and the Vina Division (VD) of the Adamawa Region in Cameroon. Seroprevalence estimates were adjusted for sampling design-effects and test performance. In addition, explanatory multivariable logistic regression mixed-effects models were fit to estimate the effect of animal characteristics, husbandry practices, risk contacts and ecological features on the serological status of pastoral cattle. The overall seroprevalence was 56.0% (95% CI 53.5–58.6) and 6.7% (95% CI 2.6–16.1) among pastoral and dairy cattle, respectively. Animals going on transhumance had twice the odds of being seropositive (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8), indicating that animal movements could be implicated in disease expansion. From an ecological perspective, absolute humidity (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9) and shrub density (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.2) were associated with seropositivity, which suggests an underlying viral dynamic connecting vertebrate host and ticks in a complex transmission network. Conclusions This study demonstrated high seroprevalence levels of CCHFV antibodies in cattle in Cameroon indicating a potential risk to human populations. However, current understanding of the underlying dynamics of CCHFV locally and the real risk for human populations is incomplete. Further studies designed using a One Health approach are required to improve local knowledge of the disease, host interactions and environmental risk factors. This information is crucial to better project the risks for human populations located in CCHFV-suitable ecological niches. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever poses an important threat for public health, particularly in endemic locations in Eurasia and parts of Africa. Despite its long-standing recognition, CCHF is considered a neglected disease, with sporadic official case reports and evidence of serological circulation in remote rural areas and less frequently, in peri-urban settings in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the drivers associated with its emergence and the spatial-temporal patterns linked to its circulation and spread are not well-understood. In this study, we identified a high proportion of cattle with CCHFV antibodies suggestive of high levels of viral circulation in the North West and the Adamawa Regions in Cameroon. In pastoral cattle, there was a positive relationship between going on transhumance, older age, higher shrub density and lower absolute humidity and CCHFV individual seropositivity. In contrast, non-indigenous breeds reported a lower risk of being seropositive. These results can be interpreted in connection to the underlying dynamics of CCHFV cycle and underline potential mechanisms linked to disease expansion. From a public health perspective, high levels of exposure to CCHFV in cattle highlight the possibility of unrecognized human infection and therefore, emphasize on the need to remain vigilant to possible disease risks for local groups involved in pastoralism and to dairy smallholders across the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina González Gordon
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LGG); (BMB); (RFK)
| | - Paul R. Bessell
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Egbe F. Nkongho
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Victor N. Ngwa
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
| | | | - Melissa Sander
- Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Lucy Ndip
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Kenton L. Morgan
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease and School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Ian G. Handel
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Stella Mazeri
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Barend MdeC Bronsvoort
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LGG); (BMB); (RFK)
| | - Robert F. Kelly
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (LGG); (BMB); (RFK)
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16
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Detailed new insights about tick infestations in domestic ruminant groups: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:526-601. [DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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17
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Khamassi Khbou M, Romdhane R, Bouaicha Zaafouri F, Bouajila M, Sassi L, Appelberg SK, Schulz A, Mirazimi A, Groschup MH, Rekik M, Benzarti M, Gharbi M. Presence of antibodies to Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in sheep in Tunisia, North Africa. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:2323-2329. [PMID: 34390548 PMCID: PMC8604105 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick‐borne disease causing severe and fatal haemorrhagic syndrome in humans. Hyalomma spp. ticks are the primary vectors and sheep are important CCHF virus (CCHFV)‐amplifying hosts. In this study, blood samples and ticks collected in October 2019 from 270 sheep from 15 farms across Tunisia constituted the main research material. Moreover, the sera of the same animals taken at different periods between 2018 and 2019 were also used to obtain comparative results. To investigate the presence of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep, all sera were tested using ELISA. Reactive sera were further characterised by a virus neutralisation test (VNT). Overall, one out of the 270 tested sheep was both ELISA‐ and strongly VNT‐positive to CCHFV. Another two sheep were borderline ELISA‐positive but did not exhibit neutralising antibodies. Ninety‐one ticks were collected from all sampled sheep, of which 34 (37.4%) belonged to Hyalomma spp. This is the first report of anti‐CCHFV antibodies in sheep from Tunisia. Both the results of this study and the recent CCHFV detection in ticks collected from camels in southern Tunisia indicate that further studies are needed to determine the competent tick vector in the country and to characterise the epidemiological cycle of CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Médiha Khamassi Khbou
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases Zoonoses and Sanitary Regulation, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Rihab Romdhane
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Faten Bouaicha Zaafouri
- Service de Sémiologie et Pathologie Médicale du Bétail, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohsen Bouajila
- Commissariat Régional de Développement Agricole de Tataouine, Tataouine, Tunisia
| | - Limam Sassi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | | | - Ansgar Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Insel Riems, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden.,National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Insel Riems, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mourad Rekik
- Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Amman, Jordan
| | - M'hammed Benzarti
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases Zoonoses and Sanitary Regulation, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Univ. Manouba, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de La Recherche et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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First Serological Evidence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Rift Valley Fever Virus in Ruminants in Tunisia. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060769. [PMID: 34207423 PMCID: PMC8234966 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV, Nairoviridae family) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV, Phenuiviridae family) are zoonotic vector-borne pathogens with clinical relevance worldwide. Our study aimed to determine seroprevalences of these viruses and potential risk factors among livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) in Tunisia. Sera were tested for antibodies against CCHFV (n = 879) and RVFV (n = 699) using various enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect immunofluorescence assays (IIFA). The overall seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was 8.6% (76/879) and 2.3% (16/699) against CCHFV and RVFV, respectively. For CCHF seropositivity bioclimatic zones and breed were potential risk factors for the three tested animal species; while the season was associated with cattle and sheep seropositivity, tick infestation was associated with cattle and goats seropositivity and age as a risk factor was only associated with cattle seropositivity. Age and season were significantly associated with RVFV seropositivity in sheep. Our results confirm the circulation of CCHFV and RVFV in Tunisia and identified the principal risk factors in ruminants. This knowledge could help to mitigate the risk of ruminant infections and subsequently also human infections.
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Bauer BU, Könenkamp L, Stöter M, Wolf A, Ganter M, Steffen I, Runge M. Increasing awareness for tick-borne encephalitis virus using small ruminants as suitable sentinels: Preliminary observations. One Health 2021; 12:100227. [PMID: 33732862 PMCID: PMC7937955 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is one of the most common zoonotic vector-borne infections in Europe. An appropriate awareness is crucial to react quickly and efficiently to protect humans from this pathogen. From winter 2017 until spring 2018 serum samples were collected from 71 small ruminant flocks (3174 animals) in five German federal states. The sera were examined for TBEV antibodies by ELISA and serum neutralization test. In the TBEV risk areas, there was a coincidence in 14 districts between seropositive small ruminants and the occurrence of human TBE cases in 2017. In eight districts, the TBEV infection could not be detected in small ruminants although human cases were reported. In contrast, in five districts, small ruminants tested TBEV seropositive without notified human TBE cases in 2017. A changing pattern of TBEV circulation in the environment was observed by the absence of antibodies in a defined high-risk area. In the non-TBE risk areas, seropositive small ruminants were found in five districts. In two districts with a low human incidence the infection was missed by the small ruminant sentinels. An intra-herd prevalence of 12.5% was determined in a goat flock in the non-TBE risk area in 2017, two years prior the first autochthone human case was reported. All sheep and goats in this flock were examined for TBEV antibodies for three years. Individual follow-up of twelve small ruminants was possible and revealed mostly a short lifespan of TBEV antibodies of less than one year. The probability to identify TBEV seropositive sheep flocks was enhanced in flocks kept for landscape conservation or which were shepherded (p < 0.05). Our preliminary observations clearly demonstrated the successful utilization of small ruminants as sentinel animals for TBEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin U. Bauer
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Könenkamp
- Institute for Biochemistry and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Stöter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Annika Wolf
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Ganter
- Clinic for Swine and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Imke Steffen
- Institute for Biochemistry and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Runge
- Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany
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Schulz A, Barry Y, Stoek F, Ba A, Schulz J, Haki ML, Sas MA, Doumbia BA, Kirkland P, Bah MY, Eiden M, Groschup MH. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus antibody prevalence in Mauritanian livestock (cattle, goats, sheep and camels) is stratified by the animal's age. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009228. [PMID: 33844691 PMCID: PMC8081336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is one of the most widespread zoonotic arthropod-borne viruses in many parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. It belongs to the family of Nairoviridae in the genus of Orthonairovirus. The main reservoir and vector are ticks of the genus Hyalomma. Livestock animals (such as cattle, small ruminants and camels) develop a viremias lasting up to two weeks with absence of clinical symptoms, followed by seroconversion. This study was carried out to assess risk factors that affect seroprevalence rates in different species. In total, 928 livestock animal samples (cattle = 201; sheep = 247; goats = 233; camels = 247) from 11 out of 13 regions in Mauritania were assayed for CCHFV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) (including a novel indirect camel-IgG-specific CCHFV ELISA). Inconclusive results were resolved by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). A generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) was used to draw conclusions about the impact of certain factors (age, species, sex and region) which might have influenced the CCHFV antibody status of surveyed animals. In goats and sheep, about 15% of the animals were seropositive, whereas in cattle (69%) and camels (81%), the prevalence rate was significantly higher. On average, cattle and camels were up to twice to four times older than small ruminants. Interestingly, the seroprevalence in all species was directly linked to the age of the animals, i.e. older animals had significantly higher seroprevalence rates than younger animals. The highest CCHFV seroprevalence in Mauritania was found in camels and cattle, followed by small ruminants. The large proportion of positive animals in cattle and camels might be explained by the high ages of the animals. Future CCHFV prevalence studies should at least consider the age of surveyed animals in order to avoid misinterpretations. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a silent threat that repeatedly causes severe hemorrhagic disease in humans who have been in close contact with livestock of endemic countries. The detection of CCHFV IgG antibodies in livestock can be a first indication whether the virus circulates in a given region and is thus a valuable diagnostic tool for determining the endemic status. Interestingly, earlier data from Mauritania showed a noticeable difference in IgG prevalence between sheep (18%) and cattle (67%). In contrast to sheep and cattle, current monitoring data on CCHFV IgG antibody presence in camels and goats in Mauritania is very limited. This study was conducted to provide a comprehensive up-to-date overview of CCHFV seroprevalences in the four most important Mauritanian livestock species (cattle, sheep, goats and camels). It attempts to highlight the role of potential risk factors responsible for deviating prevalences. In addition, we developed a camel-specific IgG ELISA, which can be used in future CCHFV seroprevalence studies. Furthermore, findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the current epidemiological CCHFV situation in sub-Saharan Africa and which role different livestock species play regarding the viral circulation in endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Yahya Barry
- L’Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Franziska Stoek
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Aliou Ba
- L’Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Jana Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Mohamed L. Haki
- L’Office National de Recherche et de Développement de l’Elevage (ONARDEL), Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Miriam A. Sas
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Peter Kirkland
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agriculture Institute, Menangle, Australia
| | - Mohamed Y. Bah
- Ministère du Développement Rural, Nouakchott, Mauritania
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- * E-mail:
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21
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Purification of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleoprotein and its utility for serological diagnosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2324. [PMID: 33504869 PMCID: PMC7840982 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81752-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) causes a zoonotic disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) endemic in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Southeastern Europe. However, the prevalence of CCHF is not monitored in most of the endemic countries due to limited availability of diagnostic assays and biosafety regulations required for handling infectious CCHFV. In this study, we established a protocol to purify the recombinant CCHFV nucleoprotein (NP), which is antigenically highly conserved among multiple lineages/clades of CCHFVs and investigated its utility in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect CCHFV-specific antibodies. The NP gene was cloned into the pCAGGS mammalian expression plasmid and human embryonic kidney 293 T cells were transfected with the plasmid. The expressed NP molecule was purified from the cell lysate using cesium-chloride gradient centrifugation. Purified NP was used as the antigen for the ELISA to detect anti-CCHFV IgG. Using the CCHFV NP-based ELISA, we efficiently detected CCHFV-specific IgG in anti-NP rabbit antiserum and CCHFV-infected monkey serum. When compared to the commercially available Blackbox CCHFV IgG ELISA kit, our assay showed equivalent performance in detecting CCHFV-specific IgG in human sera. These results demonstrate the usefulness of our CCHFV NP-based ELISA for seroepidemiological studies.
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Balinandi S, von Brömssen C, Tumusiime A, Kyondo J, Kwon H, Monteil VM, Mirazimi A, Lutwama J, Mugisha L, Malmberg M. Serological and molecular study of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in cattle from selected districts in Uganda. J Virol Methods 2021; 290:114075. [PMID: 33515661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2021.114075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne viral hemorrhagic disease caused by Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) that poses serious public health challenges in many parts of Africa, Europe and Asia. METHODS We examined 500 cattle sera samples from five districts for CCHFV antibodies using in-house and commercially available (IDVet) ELISA, Immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS 500 cattle (73.8 % females) were analyzed; CCHFV seropositivity was 12.6 % (n = 63) and 75.0 % (n = 375) with the in-house and IDVet ELISAs, respectively. Seropositivity was associated with geographical location, increasing age, being female, and having a higher tick burden. Twenty four out of the 37 (64.8 %) were seropositive for CCHFV using IFA and all were negative for virus on RT-PCR. The IFA results were more comparable to IDVet (κcoefficient = 0.88, p = <0.01) than to in-house (κcoefficient = 0.32, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the presence and high prevalence of anti-CCHF antibodies in cattle based on three methods from all the five study districts, confirming presence and exposure of CCHFV. Given the zoonotic potential for CCHFV, we recommend a multidisciplinary public health surveillance and epidemiology of CCHFV in both animals and humans throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Balinandi
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda; College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Claudia von Brömssen
- Division of Applied Statistics and Mathematics, Department of Engergy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7013, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
| | - Alex Tumusiime
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Jackson Kyondo
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Hyesoo Kwon
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, 751 89, Sweden.
| | - Vanessa M Monteil
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska Hospital University, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden.
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, 751 89, Sweden; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska Hospital University, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden; Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, 171 82, Sweden.
| | - Julius Lutwama
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, P.O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Ecohealth Research Group, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), Box 34153, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Maja Malmberg
- Section of Virology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden; SLU Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7023, Uppsala, 750 07, Sweden.
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Sheep and Cattle Are Not Susceptible to Experimental Inoculation with Hazara Orthonairovirus, a Tick-Borne Arbovirus Closely Related to CCHFV. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121927. [PMID: 33291703 PMCID: PMC7761912 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hazara orthonairovirus (HAZV) is a tick-borne arbovirus closely related to Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV). Whereas CCHFV is a biosafety level (BSL) 4 agent, HAZV is classified as BSL 2, as it is not known to cause any disease in humans. Belonging to the same serogroup as CCHFV, HAZV might act as a model which can provide a better understanding of this important zoonosis. Furthermore, the serological relatedness may cause diagnostic problems if antibodies against HAZV interfere with current CCHFV serological assays. Therefore, sheep and cattle—important natural hosts for CCHFV—were experimentally infected with HAZV to prove their susceptibility and evaluate potential antibody cross-reactivities. According to this study, neither sheep nor cattle are susceptible to experimental HAZV infections. Consequently, the HAZV infection in ruminants is clearly distinct from CCHFV infections. Sera of immunized animals weakly cross-reacted between HAZV and CCHFV in immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays, but not in commercial CCHFV ELISAs commonly used for field studies.
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Bouaicha F, Eisenbarth A, Elati K, Schulz A, Ben Smida B, Bouajila M, Sassi L, Rekik M, Groschup MH, Khamassi Khbou M. Epidemiological investigation of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus infection among the one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in southern Tunisia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101601. [PMID: 33176235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by a Nairovirus, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). The present survey aimed to determine the exposure of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) from southern Tunisia to CCHFV. A total of 273 sera from extensively reared camels were collected from Tataouine district, Tunisia, and tested by CCHFV-specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. By combining the results of three serological tests, the overall seroprevalence of CCHFV was estimated as 89.7% (245/273). No viral RNA was detected from camel sera using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). A total of 165 ticks were collected from camels and tested with RT-qPCR, and only one Hyalomma impeltatum tick was positive for virus RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten Bouaicha
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Albert Eisenbarth
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Khawla Elati
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia; Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ansgar Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Boubaker Ben Smida
- Commissariat Régional de Développement Agricole de Tataouine, 3200 Tataouine, Tunisia
| | - Mohsen Bouajila
- Commissariat Régional de Développement Agricole de Tataouine, 3200 Tataouine, Tunisia
| | - Limam Sassi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Amman 11195, Jordan
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Médiha Khamassi Khbou
- Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Zoonosis and Sanitary Regulation, Univ. Manouba, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Serretiello E, Astorri R, Chianese A, Stelitano D, Zannella C, Folliero V, Santella B, Galdiero M, Franci G, Galdiero M. The emerging tick-borne Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus: A narrative review. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 37:101871. [PMID: 32891725 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an increasingly relevant viral zoonosis caused by the negative-sense single-stranded (ss) RNA Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Orthonairovirus (CCHFV) (Nairoviridae family, Bunyavirales order). The viral genome is divided into three segments (L-M-S) of distinct size and functions. The infection is generally mediated by a tick vector, in particular belonging to the Hyalomma genus, and the transmission follows a tick-vertebrate-tick ecologic cycle, with asymptomatic infected animals functioning as reservoirs and amplifiers for CCHFV. Human hosts could be infected primarily through infected ticks or by contact with infected hosts or their body fluids and tissues, also in a nosocomial way and in occupational contexts. Infected symptomatic patients generally manifest a nonspecific illness, which progresses across four stages, with possibly lethal outcomes. Disease outbreaks show a widespread geographic diffusion and a highly variable mortality rate, dramatically peaking in untreated patients. The lack of an adequate animal model and the elevated virus biological risk (only manageable under biosafety level 4 conditions) represent strongly limiting factors for a better characterization of the disease and for the development of specific therapies and vaccines. The present review discusses updated information on CCHFV-related disease, including details about the virus (taxonomy, structure, life cycle, transmission modalities) and considering CCHF pathogenesis, epidemiology and current strategies (diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive).
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Serretiello
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Luigi Vanvitelli of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Astorri
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Debora Stelitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Folliero
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Luigi Vanvitelli of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Biagio Santella
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Luigi Vanvitelli of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy; Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
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Kasi KK, Sas MA, Sauter-Louis C, von Arnim F, Gethmann JM, Schulz A, Wernike K, Groschup MH, Conraths FJ. Epidemiological investigations of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus infection in sheep and goats in Balochistan, Pakistan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101324. [PMID: 31757688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by the arbovirus Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Livestock serve as a transient reservoir for CCHFV, but do not show clinical signs. In this cross-sectional study, sheep and goats in Balochistan, Pakistan, were examined to determine the CCHFV seroprevalence, spatial distribution of seropositive sheep and goats, and to identify potential risk factors for seropositivity to CCHFV in these animals. To this end, farms and animals were selected by systematic sampling, blood samples from 800 sheep and 800 goats were collected and information regarding farm management and the kept animals were retrieved using a standard questionnaire. Sera were tested for antibodies against CCHFV in two independent ELISA formats and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) following a hierarchical diagnostic decision tree. By these assays 149 (19 %, 95 %-CI: 16-21 %) out of 800 sheep serum samples and 37 (5 %, 95 %-CI: 3-6 %) out of 800 goat serum samples were positive for CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies. Interestingly, at least 8 (5 %, 95 %-CI: 2-10 %) out of 160 sera pools were from CCHFV viraemic sheep, as sera (in pools of 5) tested positive for CCHFV genome by real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Risk factor analysis revealed that the open type of housing (OR = 3.76, 95 %-CI:1.57-9.56, p-value = 0.003), grazing (OR = 4.18, 95 %-CI:1.79-10.37, p-value = 0.001), presence of vegetation in or around the farm (OR = 3.13, 95 %-CI: 1.07-10.15, p-value = 0.043), lack of treatment against ticks (OR = 3.31, 95 %-CI: 1.16-10.21, p-value = 0.029), absence of rural poultry (OR = 2.93, 95 %-CI: 1.41-6.29, p-value = 0.004), animals with age ≥ 2 years (OR = 4.15, 95 %-CI: 2.84-6.19, p-value<0.001), animals infested with ticks (OR = 2.35, 95 %-CI: 1.59-3.52, p-value<0.001), and sheep species (OR = 4.72, 95 %-CI:3.24-6.86, p-value<0.001) represented statistically significant risk factors associated with seropositivity to CCHFV. Taken together this study confirms the circulation of CCHFV in livestock in Balochistan, Pakistan. The identification of risk factors might help to reduce the risk of infection in sheep and goats, which may also mitigate the risk for human infection. An interesting option for reducing the risk of CCHFV infection in small ruminants is keeping also chickens, since they pick ticks that transmit CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushal Khan Kasi
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Disease Investigation Laboratory, Livestock and Dairy Development Department Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Miriam Andrada Sas
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Felicitas von Arnim
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jörn Martin Gethmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ansgar Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Nasirian H. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) seroprevalence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2019; 196:102-120. [PMID: 31108083 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most widespread, tick-borne viral disease affecting humans and therefore this paper performed a meta-analysis to highlight seroprevalence features of CCHF in a global context. After a preliminary review of the 396 papers representing areas throughout the world, 206 were selected for detailed meta-analysis. In general the total means of CCHF seroprevalence were, respectively 4.7 and 24.6% for humans and animals; and 17.1, 18.9, 24.3, 29.3 and 27.1% for camels, cattle, goats, sheep and livestock. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in seroprevalence between humans and camels (P = 0.043), cattle (P = 0.010), goats (P = 0.015), sheep (P = 0.005) and livestock (P = 0.017). Regionally, there also was a difference between humans, and goats (P = 0.0001), sheep (P = 0.007) and livestock (P = 0.002). Globally, CCHF seroprevalence in at-risk professionals was 7.5 fold greater than in normal humans, while CCHF seroprevalence was 5 fold greater in animals, camels, cattle, goats, sheep and livestock than normal humans. Animal contact, animal husbandry, farming, tick bite history and secretion exposure were the most frequently reported CCHF seropositivity risk factors. This study serves as an important resource for epidemiological discussions related to CCHF and CCHF seroprevalence features, providing specific information in understanding human and animal mean and trend CCHF seroprevalence for different regions of the world and on an aggregate global scale; seroprevalence in at-risk professionals; and total mean and trend CCHF seropositivity involving risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Nasirian
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Enqelab Square, Zip code 1346689151, Tehran, Iran.
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Tzeng H, Wu H, Ting L, Chang N, Chou Y, Tu W. Monitoring Taiwanese bovine arboviruses and non-arboviruses using a vector-based approach. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:195-202. [PMID: 30488454 PMCID: PMC7168380 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In current sampling approaches, there exists a divergence between the surveillance of arthropod-borne and that of non-arthropod-borne viruses. It is commonly held that the collection of vector specimens applies only to arbovirus surveillance and that the surveillance of non-arboviruses must rely on traditional methods that involve the sampling of blood, faeces or saliva, or other examinations. The vector-based approach is a sampling method that has the ability to survey both arboviruses and non-arboviruses by distinguishing engorged vector specimens from entire vector samples. Accordingly, five arboviruses and three non-arboviruses were detected in a study using a vector-based approach conducted during 2012-2015. Hence, this report provides the first description of the Taiwanese vector species for the bovine arboviruses detected. The present investigations demonstrate that the vector-based approach applies not only to the surveillance of arboviruses, but also has potential as a possible tool for monitoring non-arboviruses on livestock farms in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- H.‐Y. Tzeng
- Department of EntomologyNational Chung Hsing UniversityTaichung CityTaiwan
| | - H.‐H. Wu
- Bachelor's Degree Programme in Pet GroomingTajen UniversityYanpu TownshipTaiwan
| | - L.‐J. Ting
- Epidemiology Division, Animal Health Research InstituteNew Taipei CityTaiwan
| | - N.‐T. Chang
- Department of Plant MedicineNational Pingtung University of Science and TechnologyNeipu TownshipTaiwan
| | - Y.‐C. Chou
- Tainan City Animal Health Inspection and Protection OfficeTainan CityTaiwan
| | - W.‐C. Tu
- Department of EntomologyNational Chung Hsing UniversityTaichung CityTaiwan
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Christova I, Panayotova E, Groschup MH, Trifonova I, Tchakarova S, Sas MA. High seroprevalence for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in ruminants in the absence of reported human cases in many regions of Bulgaria. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 75:227-234. [PMID: 29713918 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne zoonotic disease in humans caused by CCHF virus. It has been observed in Bulgaria since 1952 and over the years more than 1600 cases have been reported in the country. Close contact with viraemic livestock was shown as one of the main causes of the infection. Detection of CCHF virus specific antibodies in livestock can be used as an indicator for virus circulation and risk assessment. CCHF seroprevalence was investigated in 843 cattle, 88 goats and 130 sheep, originating from all 28 districts of Bulgaria. CCHF virus-specific IgG antibodies were observed in 165 cattle (19.6, 95% CI 17.0-22.4%), in 20 goats (22.7, 95% CI 15.2-32.5%) and in 10 sheep (7.7, 95% CI 4.2-13.6%). The highest seroprevalence was detected in the district of Kardzhali, South Bulgaria (86.7, 95% CI 73.8-93.7%), a well-known focus of CCHF in humans. The other two districts with human CCHF cases, Blagoevgrad and Burgas, located in southwest and southeast Bulgaria, showed overall seroprevalences in livestock of 41.9% (95% CI 28.4-56.7%) and 31.3% (95% CI 22.2-42.1%), respectively. Seroprevalences in districts with no history of human CCHF cases varied between 55% (95% CI 39.8-69.3%) and 22.5% (95% CI 12.3-37.5%). These results suggest frequent CCHF virus infections even in regions without human CCHF cases and an enhanced risk of infection for humans in close contact with the infected livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Christova
- National Reference Laboratory on Vector-Borne Pathogens, Leptospira and Listeria, Microbiology Department, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Blvd. Yanko Sakazov 26, 1504, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Elitsa Panayotova
- National Reference Laboratory on Vector-Borne Pathogens, Leptospira and Listeria, Microbiology Department, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Blvd. Yanko Sakazov 26, 1504, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17483, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Iva Trifonova
- National Reference Laboratory on Vector-Borne Pathogens, Leptospira and Listeria, Microbiology Department, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Blvd. Yanko Sakazov 26, 1504, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Simona Tchakarova
- National Diagnostic and Research Veterinarian Medical Institute, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Blvd. Pencho Slavejkov 15, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Miriam Andrada Sas
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17483, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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30
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Sherifi K, Rexhepi A, Berxholi K, Mehmedi B, Gecaj RM, Hoxha Z, Joachim A, Duscher GG. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Ticks from Kosovo and Albania. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:38. [PMID: 29560357 PMCID: PMC5845633 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases pose a serious threat to human health in South-Eastern Europe, including Kosovo. While Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a well-known emerging infection in this area, there are no accurate data on Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Therefore, we sampled and tested 795 ticks. Ixodes ricinus (n = 218), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 98), and Haemaphysalis spp. (n = 24) were collected from the environment by flagging (all from Kosovo), while Hyalomma marginatum (n = 199 from Kosovo, all from Kosovo) and Rhipicephalus bursa (n = 130, 126 from Albania) could be collected only by removal from animal pasture and domestic ruminants. Ticks were collected in the years 2014/2015 and tested for viral RNA of CCHF and TBE viruses, as well as for DNA of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by real-time PCR. In Kosovo, nine ticks were positive for RNA of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and seven for DNA of B. burgdorferi s. l. None of the ticks tested positive for TBEV. CCHF virus was detected in one H. marginatum male specimen collected while feeding on grazing cattle from the Prizren region and in eight R. bursa specimens (five females and three males collected while feeding on grazing sheep and cattle) from the Prishtina region (Kosovo). B. burgdorferi s. l. was detected in seven questing ticks (four male and one female D. marginatus, two I. ricinus one female and one male) from the Mitrovica region (Kosovo). Our study confirmed that CCHF virus is circulating in Kosovo mainly in H. marginatum and R. bursa in the central areas of the country. B. burgdorferi s. l. was found in its major European host tick, I. ricinus, but also in D. marginatus, in the north of the Kosovo. In order to prevent the spread of these diseases and better control of the tick-borne infections, an improved vector surveillance and testing of ticks for the presence of pathogens needs to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtesh Sherifi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Agim Rexhepi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Kristaq Berxholi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Blerta Mehmedi
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Rreze M Gecaj
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Zamira Hoxha
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Anja Joachim
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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31
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Sas MA, Comtet L, Donnet F, Mertens M, Vatansever Z, Tordo N, Pourquier P, Groschup MH. A novel double-antigen sandwich ELISA for the species-independent detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus-specific antibodies. Antiviral Res 2018; 151:24-26. [PMID: 29330092 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne disease in humans caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV). The detection of anti-CCHFV antibodies in animals is used to reveal infection risk areas. Therefore a simple, quick and reliable multispecies assay for the detection of CCHFV-specific antibodies is needed. This work presents the development and validation of a novel CCHF double-antigen ELISA for the detection of anti-CCHFV nucleoprotein antibodies. The test requires 30 μl of serum, and results are obtained within 90 min. As the ELISA is based on recombinant N-protein of the IbAr10200 virus, it can be run under standard biosafety conditions. For assay validation, sera from 95 cattle and 176 small ruminants from CCHF-endemic regions (origin: Albania, Cameroon, Kosovo, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Turkey) served as a positive reference serum panel. The CCHF antibody status of the positive reference samples had been previously confirmed by two serological assays (species-adapted VectorBest ELISA and Euroimmun IFA). CCHFV strains belonging to three different clades are known to circulate in the countries where the positive samples originated. Sera from 402 cattle and 804 small ruminants from Germany and France served as the negative serum panel, as both countries are considered outside of the CCHFV endemic zone. Sera from monkeys, camels, rats, ferrets, raccoon dogs, raccoons, foxes, hares, pigs and humans were also tested, to determine the suitability of this novel ELISA for these species. All negative reference sera were confirmed by the CCHF double-antigen ELISA, indicating a specificity of 100%. 268 of 271 positive reference sera tested positive for CCHFV-specific antibodies, 8sensitivity of 99%9. Further analysis are needed to ensure a recognition of the IbAr10200 nucleoprotein by antibodies directed against all known CCHFV clades. This is planned to be realized with sera from other regions covering the three missing clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Sas
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | | | | | - Marc Mertens
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - Zati Vatansever
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | - Noel Tordo
- Unit Antiviral Strategies, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany.
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32
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Monitoring for the possible introduction of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in Italy based on tick sampling on migratory birds and serological survey of sheep flocks. Prev Vet Med 2018; 149:47-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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How to Tackle Natural Focal Infections: From Risk Assessment to Vaccination Strategies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 972:7-16. [PMID: 28213810 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2016_199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Natural focal diseases are caused by biological agents associated with specific landscapes. The natural focus of such diseases is defined as any natural ecosystem containing the pathogen's population as an essential component. In such context, the agent circulates independently on human presence, and humans may become accidentally infected through contact with vectors or reservoirs. Some viruses (i.e., tick-borne encephalitis and Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic fever virus) are paradigmatic examples of natural focal diseases. When environmental changes, increase of reservoir/vector populations, demographic pressure, and/or changes in human behavior occur, increased risk of exposure to the pathogen may lead to clusters of cases or even to larger outbreaks. Intervention is often not highly cost-effective, thus only a few examples of large-scale or even targeted vaccination campaigns are reported in the international literature. To develop intervention models, risk assessment through disease mapping is an essential component of the response against these neglected threats and key to the design of prevention strategies, especially when effective vaccines against the disease are available.
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34
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Molecular detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks, Greece, 2012–2014. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:3057-3063. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5616-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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35
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Fernández de Mera IG, Chaligiannis I, Hernández-Jarguín A, Villar M, Mateos-Hernández L, Papa A, Sotiraki S, Ruiz-Fons F, Cabezas-Cruz A, Gortázar C, de la Fuente J. Combination of RT-PCR and proteomics for the identification of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00353. [PMID: 28736753 PMCID: PMC5508474 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV). In this study, an experimental approach combining RT-PCR and proteomics was used for the identification and characterization of CCHFV in 106 ticks from 7 species that were collected from small ruminants in Greece. The methodological approach included an initial screening for CCHFV by RT-PCR followed by proteomics analysis of positive and control negative tick samples. This novel approach allowed the identification of CCHFV-positive ticks and provided additional information to corroborate the RT-PCR findings using a different approach. Two ticks, Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis parva collected from a goat and a sheep, respectively were positive for CCHFV. The sequences for CCHFV RNA segments S and L were characterized by RT-PCR and proteomics analysis of tick samples, respectively. These results showed the possibility of combining analyses at the RNA and protein levels using RT-PCR and proteomics for the characterization of CCHFV in ticks. The results supported that the CCHFV identified in ticks are genetic variants of the AP92 strain. Although the AP92-like strains probably do not represent a high risk of CCHF to the population, the circulation of genetically diverse CCHFV strains could potentially result in the appearance of novel viral genotypes with increased pathogenicity and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ilias Chaligiannis
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Angélica Hernández-Jarguín
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, NAGREF Campus, 57001 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Gortázar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Serosurvey for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infections in ruminants in Katanga province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:858-861. [PMID: 28712556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) has been detected in many African countries. Unfortunately, little is known about the current CCHFV situation in most of those countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In over 50 years, three human CCHF cases have been detected in DRC but no seroepidemiological investigation was performed so far. To determine the prevalence of CCHFV-specific antibodies we tested 838 serum samples of cattle, goat and sheep from the southern province Katanga, DRC. The detected seroprevalence in ruminants was 1.6% ranging from 0.4% to 3.4% between the two sampling sites, Kamina and Lubumbashi. The low prevalence indicates only sporadic introduction of CCHFV into this part of the country. DRC is a very large country and the study was performed only at two locations in one province; therefore, the investigations can be only a starting point for further epidemiological activities.
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37
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Surveillance of Arthropod-Borne Viruses and Their Vectors in the Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions Within the MediLabSecure Network. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2017; 4:27-39. [PMID: 28386524 PMCID: PMC5362652 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-017-0101-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Arboviruses, viruses transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, and fleas are a significant threat to public health because of their epidemic and zoonotic potential. The geographical distribution of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile (WN), Rift Valley fever (RVF), Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika has expanded over the last decades. Countries of the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions are not spared. Outbreaks of WN are repeatedly reported in the Mediterranean basin. Human cases of RVF were reported at the southern borders of the Maghreb region. For this reason, establishing the basis for the research to understand the potential for the future emergence of these and other arboviruses and their expansion into new geographic areas became a public health priority. In this context, the European network "MediLabSecure" gathering laboratories in 19 non-EU countries from the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions seeks to improve the surveillance (of animals, humans, and vectors) by reinforcing capacity building and harmonizing national surveillance systems to address this important human and veterinary health issue. The aim of this review is to give an exhaustive overview of arboviruses and their vectors in the region. RECENT FINDINGS The data presented underline the importance of surveillance in the implementation of more adapted control strategies to combat vector-borne diseases. Partner laboratories within the MediLabSecure network present a wide range of infrastructures and have benefited from different training programs. SUMMARY Although reporting of arboviral presence is not carried out in a systematic manner, the expansion of the area where arboviruses are present cannot be disputed. This reinforces the need for increasing surveillance capacity building in this region to prevent future emergences.
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Schuster I, Chaintoutis SC, Dovas CI, Groschup MH, Mertens M. Detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus-specific IgG antibodies in ruminants residing in Central and Western Macedonia, Greece. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:494-498. [PMID: 28286143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus which causes lethal hemorrhagic fever in humans. Although, several reports regarding CCHFV antibody prevalence in humans exist in Greece, information about the current distribution is limited. The aim of the present study is to investigate the prevalence of CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies in cattle and sheep in Macedonia-Greece. The samplings were performed during spring 2013, in 5 regional units of Central Macedonia (Chalkidiki, Imathia, Kilkis, Pella and Thessaloniki) and in the 4 regional units of Western Macedonia (Grevena, Florina, Kastoria and Kozani). Specifically, sera from 538 cattle and 81 sheep underwent testing against CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies. Antiviral immune responses were observed in 31 cattle (6%, 95% CI: 4-8%) and in one sheep (1%, 95% CI: 0-8%). The total seroprevalence in the cattle sampled in Central Macedonia was 7% (28 out of 396, 95% CI: 5-10%). Within Central Macedonia, the highest seroprevalence was detected in Chalkidiki (38%, 95% CI: 23-56%), which was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared to the overall seroprevalence detected in cattle. In Western Macedonia, the total seroprevalence in cattle was 2% (3 out of 142, 95% CI: 1-7%). The 3 seropositive cattle were residing in the regional unit of Grevena. The one IgG-positive sheep serum was obtained from an animal residing in Thessaloniki. In this regional unit, the prevalence in sheep (2%, 95% CI: 0-10%) was much lower compared to the prevalence in cattle (12%, 95% CI: 6-22%), but significance was not achieved (p=0.03). The here presented seroepidemiological study demonstrates high transmission risk to human in specific geographical areas, which should be communicated to national and local public health authorities, so as to intensify preventive measures for public health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isolde Schuster
- Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Serafeim C Chaintoutis
- Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos I Dovas
- Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marc Mertens
- Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Schuster I, Mertens M, Köllner B, Korytář T, Keller M, Hammerschmidt B, Müller T, Tordo N, Marianneau P, Mroz C, Rissmann M, Stroh E, Dähnert L, Hammerschmidt F, Ulrich RG, Groschup MH. A competitive ELISA for species-independent detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus specific antibodies. Antiviral Res 2016; 134:161-166. [PMID: 27623345 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) circulates in many countries of Asia, Africa, and Europe. CCHFV can cause a severe hemorrhagic fever in humans with case-fatality rates of up to 80%. CCHF is considered to be one of the major emerging diseases spreading to and within Europe. Ticks of the genus Hyalomma function as vector as well as natural reservoir of CCHFV. Ticks feed on various domestic animals (e.g. cattle, sheep, goats) and on wildlife (e.g. hares, hedgehogs). Those animal species play an important role in the life cycle of the ticks as well as in amplification of CCHFV. Here we present a competitive ELISA (cELISA) for the species-independent detection of CCHFV-specific antibodies. For this purpose nucleocapsid (N) protein specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated against an Escherichia coli (E. coli) expressed CCHFV N-protein. Thirty-three mAbs reacted with homologous and heterologous recombinant CCHFV antigens in ELISA and Western blot test and 20 of those 33 mAbs reacted additionally in an immunofluorescence assay with eukaryotic cells expressing the N-protein. Ten mAbs were further characterized in a prototype of the cELISA and nine of them competed with positive control sera of bovine origin. The cELISA was established by using the mAb with the strongest competition. For the validation, 833 sera from 12 animal species and from humans were used. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the cELISA was determined to be 95% and 99%, respectively, and 2% of the sera gave inconclusive results. This cELISA offers the possibility for future large-scale screening approaches in various animal species to evaluate their susceptibility to CCHFV infection and to identify and monitor the occurrence of CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isolde Schuster
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marc Mertens
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bernd Köllner
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Tomáš Korytář
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Bärbel Hammerschmidt
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Noël Tordo
- Unit Antiviral Strategies Antivirales, WHO Collaborative Centre for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers and Arboviruses, OIE Reference Laboratory for RVFV and CCHFV, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Claudia Mroz
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Eileen Stroh
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Lisa Dähnert
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Felicitas Hammerschmidt
- Chair of Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Rainer G Ulrich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Mertens M, Schuster I, Sas MA, Vatansever Z, Hubalek Z, Güven E, Deniz A, Georgiev G, Peshev R, Groschup MH. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Bulgaria and Turkey. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:619-23. [PMID: 27467142 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections of humans with the tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) can cause a severe hemorrhagic fever with case fatality rates of up to 80%. Most humans are infected by tick bite, crushing infected ticks by hand or by unprotected contact with blood of viremic mammals. Next to the notified human CCHF cases, the real distribution and the situation in animals in Southeastern Europe are nearly unknown. Since domestic ruminants play a crucial role in the life cycle of the vector ticks and the transmission and amplification of the virus, the antibody prevalence in those animals is a good indicator for the presence of CCHFV in a region. Therefore, the prevalence of CCHFV-specific antibodies was investigated in domestic ruminants of different regions of Bulgaria and Turkey. Sera of 1165 ruminants were tested and a prevalence of up to 90% was identified. The overall prevalence for Bulgaria was 26% and for Turkey 57%. The results highlight the risk of human infections in those regions and the importance of the investigation of the prevalence in animals for identification of risk areas. This article provides a unique overview about published CCHFV antibody prevalence in animals in comparison to human incidences in different areas of Bulgaria and Turkey. Although it will help to complete the understanding of the CCHFV situation in these countries, it also demonstrates the lack of unpublished and published data even in these highly endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mertens
- 1 Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health , Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Isolde Schuster
- 1 Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health , Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Miriam A Sas
- 1 Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health , Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Zati Vatansever
- 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafkas University , Kars, Turkey
| | - Zdenek Hubalek
- 3 Institute of Vertebrate Biology , Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Esin Güven
- 4 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University , Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Deniz
- 5 Etlik Veterinary Control Central Research Institute , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Georgi Georgiev
- 6 Risk Assessment Center , Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Raiko Peshev
- 7 National Diagnostic Science and Research Veterinary Medical Institute , Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Martin H Groschup
- 1 Institute for Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health , Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Dreshaj S, Ahmeti S, Ramadani N, Dreshaj G, Humolli I, Dedushaj I. Current situation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Southeastern Europe and neighboring countries: a public health risk for the European Union? Travel Med Infect Dis 2016; 14:81-91. [PMID: 27044611 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2016.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most widespread tick-borne viral infection of humans, occurring across western China through southern Asia, Middle East, and Southeastern Europe (SEE) and in the most of African countries. CCHF virus is maintained through vertical and horizontal transmission in several genera of ticks, mainly in Hyalomma, which spreads the virus to a variety of wild and domestic mammals, which develop a transient viremia without signs of illness. Human infections occur through tick bite or exposure to the blood or other body fluids of an infected animal or of a CCHF patient. In SEE the number of clinical cases of CCHF as well as the areal of the infected ticks continuously rapidly increased after 2000. The aim of this study was to present actual situation of CCHF in SEE. Sources of information include published literature and personal unpublished data. CONCLUSIONS Based on: 1. Hyaloma's presence in Western EU countries, 2. Changes in climatic conditions and 3. Absence of an active vaccination against CCHF, it can be expected that this disease will continue to present real threat for human health in SEE and Southwestern Europe (SWE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shemsedin Dreshaj
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Prishtina University Clinical Centre, Kosovo.
| | - Sali Ahmeti
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Prishtina University Clinical Centre, Kosovo
| | | | - Gresa Dreshaj
- Family Medicine, Primary Health Care, Prishtina, Kosovo
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Hartemink N, Takken W. Trends in tick population dynamics and pathogen transmission in emerging tick-borne pathogens in Europe: an introduction. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2016; 68:269-78. [PMID: 26782278 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-015-0003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Hartemink
- Theoretical Ecology group, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Willem Takken
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO Box 8031, 6700 EH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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