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Bursali F, Touray M. The complexities of blood-feeding patterns in mosquitoes and sandflies and the burden of disease: A minireview. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1580. [PMID: 39171609 PMCID: PMC11339650 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1580] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes and sandflies exhibit a wide range of blood feeding patterns, targeting a wide range of vertebrate species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, for proteins vital for egg development. This broad host range increases the opportunity for them to acquire pathogens of numerous debilitating-and-fatal diseases from various animal reservoirs, playing a significant role in disease crossover between animals and humans, also known as zoonotic transmission. This review focuses on the intricate blood-feeding habits of these dipteran vectors, their sensory systems and the complex dance between host and pathogen during disease transmission. We delve into the influence of blood sources on pathogen spread by examining the insect immune response and its intricate interplay with pathogens. The remarkable sense of smell guiding them towards food sources and hosts is explored, highlighting the interplay of multiple sensory cues in their navigation. Finally, we examine the challenges in mosquito control strategies and explore innovations in this field, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to combat this global health threat. By understanding the biology and behaviour of these insects, we can develop more effective strategies to protect ourselves and mitigate the burden of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Bursali
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
| | - Mustapha Touray
- Biology Department, Faculty of ScienceAydin Adnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
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Konuk ŞG, Kılıç R, Yılmaz ET, Kaya F. Evaluation of choroidal thickness and choroidal vascularity index in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Int Ophthalmol 2023; 43:4163-4169. [PMID: 37495938 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02817-9] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to compare choroidal thickness parameters between patients diagnosed with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and healthy individuals using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. METHODS The right eyes of 27 individuals diagnosed with CCHF and 27 healthy subjects were included in this study. CCHF cases were assessed based on a history of tick bites and hospitalization. Choroidal thickness was measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Measurements of choroidal thickness were taken at 5 different points, including the subfoveal quadrant and the fovea up to 2000 μm with 1000 μm intervals in the temporal and nasal quadrants. Choroidal vascular index (CVI) was calculated as the ratio of luminal area (LA) to total choroidal area (TCA) at the macula's total area and at 1500 μm from the center (CVI and CVI1500). RESULTS Choroidal thickness in the CCHF group was found to be thicker in each quadrant compared to the control group, with the subfoveal and nasal quadrants showing significantly greater thickness. TCA, stromal area, and LA were significantly higher in the CCHF group, while no significant difference was observed in CVI and CVI1500. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that CCHF disease may have an impact on the choroidal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şerife Gülhan Konuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey.
| | - Raşit Kılıç
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Emine Türkoğlu Yılmaz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kaya
- Karaman Educatıon And Research Hospıtal, Karaman, Turkey
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de la Fuente J, Estrada-Peña A, Rafael M, Almazán C, Bermúdez S, Abdelbaset AE, Kasaija PD, Kabi F, Akande FA, Ajagbe DO, Bamgbose T, Ghosh S, Palavesam A, Hamid PH, Oskam CL, Egan SL, Duarte-Barbosa A, Hekimoğlu O, Szabó MPJ, Labruna MB, Dahal A. Perception of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases Worldwide. Pathogens 2023; 12:1258. [PMID: 37887774 PMCID: PMC10610181 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In this comprehensive review study, we addressed the challenge posed by ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) with growing incidence affecting human and animal health worldwide. Data and perspectives were collected from different countries and regions worldwide, including America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The results updated the current situation with ticks and TBD and how it is perceived by society with information bias and gaps. The study reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary and international collaborations to advance in the surveillance, communication and proposed future directions to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
- Research Group in Emerging Zoonoses, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Rafael
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | - Consuelo Almazán
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autonóma de Querétaro, Avenida de las Ciencias S/N Juriquilla, Querétaro 76230, Mexico;
| | - Sergio Bermúdez
- Medical Entomology Research Department, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Research, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama;
| | - Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Sapporo 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Paul D. Kasaija
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Fredrick Kabi
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI/NARO), Kampala P.O. Box 5704, Uganda; (P.D.K.); (F.K.)
| | - Foluke Adedayo Akande
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Dorcas Oluwakemi Ajagbe
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, College of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta 111101, Ogun State, Nigeria;
| | - Timothy Bamgbose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, Faculty of Science, Kings University, Ode-Omu City 221102, Osun State, Nigeria;
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
- IVRI-Eastern Regional Station, 37, Belgachia Road, Kolkata 700037, West Bengal, India
| | - Azhahianambi Palavesam
- Translational Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Centre for Animal Health Studies, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai 600051, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Penny H. Hamid
- Department of Animal Science, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia;
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Siobhon L. Egan
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; (C.L.O.); (S.L.E.)
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
| | - Amanda Duarte-Barbosa
- Centre for One Health and Biosecurity, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia;
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Olcay Hekimoğlu
- Division of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, Turkey;
| | - Matias P. J. Szabó
- Laboratório de Ixodologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720/Campus Umuarama-Bloco 2T, Uberlândia 38400-902, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo B. Labruna
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-220, Brazil;
| | - Ananta Dahal
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Animal Science, Veterinary Science and Fisheries, Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan 44200, Nepal;
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Polat C, Ayhan N, Saygan MB, Karahan S, Charrel R, Ergünay K. Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Human Sandfly-Borne Phlebovirus Exposure in an Endemic Region. Viruses 2023; 15:1902. [PMID: 37766308 PMCID: PMC10535931 DOI: 10.3390/v15091902] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sandfly-borne phleboviruses are endemic in countries around the Mediterranean Basin and pose a significant health threat for populations, with symptoms spanning from febrile diseases to central nervous system involvement. We carried out a comprehensive cross-sectional screening via microneutralization (MN) assays for a quantitative assessment of neutralizing antibodies (NAs) to seven phleboviruses representing three distinct serocomplexes, using samples previously screened via immunofluorescence assays (IFAs) in Turkey, an endemic region with various phleboviruses in circulation. We detected NAs to three phleboviruses: Toscana virus (TOSV), sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV), and sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), while assays utilizing Adana virus, Punique virus, Massilia virus, and Zerdali virus remained negative. The most frequently observed virus exposure was due to TOSV, with a total prevalence of 22.6%, followed by SFNV (15.3%) and SFSV (12.1%). For each virus, IFA reactivity was significantly associated with NA detection, and further correlated with NA titers. TOSV and SFSV seroreactivities were co-detected, suggesting exposure to multiple pathogenic viruses presumably due to shared sandfly vectors. In 9.6% of the samples, multiple virus exposure was documented. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate widespread exposure to distinct pathogenic phleboviruses, for which diagnostic testing and serological screening efforts should be directed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceylan Polat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Nazlı Ayhan
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
- National Reference Center for Arboviruses, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute (IRBA), 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Mehmet Bakır Saygan
- Middle Anatolia Regional Blood Center, Turkish Red Crescent Society, Ankara 06378, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Karahan
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Remi Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents, Aix Marseille University, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, 13005 Marseille, France
- Laboratoire des Infections Virales Aigues et Tropicales, Pole des Maladies Infectieuses, AP-HM Hopitaux Universitaires de Marseille, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
- Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit (WRBU), Smithsonian Institution Museum Support Center, Suitland, MD 20746, USA
- One Health Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
- Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution-National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Washington, DC 20560, USA
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Yılmaz S, İba Yilmaz S, Alay H, Koşan Z, Eren Z. Temporal tendency, seasonality and relationship with climatic factors of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases (East of Turkey: 2012-2021). Heliyon 2023; 9:e19593. [PMID: 37681169 PMCID: PMC10480645 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19593] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever continues to be an important public health problem by expanding its borders. To evaluate the temporal trend, seasonality, and relationship with the climatic factors of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever. Study data included cases treated in two different tertiary healthcare institutions between 2012 and 2021. The demographic characteristics of the cases and the dates of admission to the hospital were determined, and they were matched with the average of the measurements (temperature, cumulative precipitation, relative humidity, wind speed) of two different meteorology stations in the study area. By calculating the crude incidence rates, the trend in years was investigated. Estimates were created by removing the incidence rates, seasonality, and trend components using the additive decomposition technique. The temporal relationship between incidence rates and climatic factors was evaluated with the help of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Bound Test. Toda Yamamoto test was used for causality verification. The mean age of the cases (n = 974) included in the study was 47.6 ± 17.7 years, and the majority (57.3%) were in the group above 45 years of age. 56.6% of the cases were male and there was a male predominance in all age groups. Incidence rates ranged from 5.5 to 23.1/100,000 over the ten-year period and there was a significant upward trend (R2 = 0.691, p = 0.003). Cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever that started in March, peaked in July and ended in October, showed a clear seasonality. A cointegration relationship was observed between case incidence rates and air temperature, cumulative precipitation, and relative humidity (p < 0.05 for all). Climatic factors can only indirectly affect the occurrence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever cases. However, climatic conditions that become progressively more favorable for vector ticks lead to the spread of the disease. The control measures to be taken should be prepared by considering the changing climatic conditions and prioritizing the risk groups. There is a need for information and awareness-raising studies about climate change and the growing dangers associated with it, also outside of endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinan Yılmaz
- Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Sibel İba Yilmaz
- Health Sciences University, Erzurum Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Handan Alay
- Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Zahide Koşan
- Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Eren
- Atatürk University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Technologies, Erzurum, Turkey
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Touray M, Bakirci S, Ulug D, Gulsen SH, Cimen H, Yavasoglu SI, Simsek FM, Ertabaklar H, Ozbel Y, Hazir S. Arthropod vectors of disease agents: their role in public and veterinary health in Turkiye and their control measures. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106893. [PMID: 37004805 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes, sandflies, and ticks are hematophagous arthropods that pose a huge threat to public and veterinary health. They are capable of serving as vectors of disease agents that can and have caused explosive epidemics affecting millions of people and animals. Several factors like climate change, urbanization, and international travel contribute substantially to the persistence and dispersal of these vectors from their established areas to newly invaded areas. Once established in their new home, they can serve as vectors for disease transmission or increase the risk of disease emergence. Turkiye is vulnerable to climate change and has experienced upward trends in annual temperatures and rising sea levels, and greater fluctuations in precipitation rates. It is a potential hotspot for important vector species because the climate in various regions is conducive for several insect and acari species and serves as a conduit for refugees and immigrants fleeing areas troubled with armed conflicts and natural disasters, which have increased substantially in recent years. These people may serve as carriers of the vectors or be infected by disease agents that require arthropod vectors for transmission. Although it cannot be supposed that every arthropod species is a competent vector, this review aims to (1)illustrate the factors that contribute to the persistence and dispersal of arthropod vectors, (2)determine the status of the established arthropod vector species in Turkiye and their capability of serving as vectors of disease agents, and (3)assess the role of newly-introduced arthropod vectors into Turkiye and how they were introduced into the country. We also provide information on important disease incidence (if there's any) and control measures applied by public health officials from different provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Touray
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Bakirci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Derya Ulug
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Sebnem H Gulsen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Harun Cimen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | | | - Fatih M Simsek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Hatice Ertabaklar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ozbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Hazir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey; Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu India
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Abstract
Purpose of Review West Nile virus (WNV) is an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitos of the genus Culex. Manifestations of WNV infection range from asymptomatic to devastating neuroinvasive disease leading to flaccid paralysis and death. This review examines WNV epidemiology and ecology, with an emphasis on travel-associated infection. Recent Findings WNV is widespread, including North America and Europe, where its range has expanded in the past decade. Rising temperatures in temperate regions are predicted to lead to an increased abundance of Culex mosquitoes and an increase in their ability to transmit WNV. Although the epidemiologic patterns of WNV appear variable, its geographic distribution most certainly will continue to increase. Travelers are at risk for WNV infection and its complications. Literature review identified 39 cases of documented travel-related WNV disease, the majority of which resulted in adverse outcomes, such as neuroinvasive disease, prolonged recovery period, or death. Summary The prediction of WNV risk is challenging due to the complex interactions of vector, pathogen, host, and environment. Travelers planning to visit endemic areas should be advised regarding WNV risk and mosquito bite prevention. Evaluation of ill travelers with compatible symptoms should consider the diagnosis of WNV for those visiting in endemic areas as well as for those returning from destinations with known WNV circulation.
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Dinçer E, Timurkan MÖ, Oğuz B, Şahindokuyucu İ, Şahan A, Ekinci M, Polat C, Ergünay K. Several Tick-Borne Pathogenic Viruses in Circulation in Anatolia, Turkey. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:148-158. [PMID: 35133905 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: We screened host-collected ticks for tick-borne viruses, including those recently documented as human pathogens. Methods: During 2020-2021, ticks removed form cattle, sheep, dogs, and cats in 11 provinces in 5 geographically distinct regions of Anatolia were identified, pooled, and screened using pan-nairovirus, pan-flavivirus and individual assays for Jingmen tick virus (JMTV), and Tacheng tick virus 1 and 2 (TcTV-1 and TcTV-2). Results: A total of 901 tick specimens, comprising 6 species were included. Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex was the most abundant species (44.1%), followed by Rhipicephalus bursa (38.3%), Haemaphysalis parva (7.2%), and others. The specimens were screened in 158 pools with 12 pools (7.6%) being positive. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) lineage Europe 2 (genotype VI) sequences were detected in R. bursa in five (3.2%) of the pools, with similar prevalences in central and Mediterranean Anatolian provinces. JMTV was identified in four R. bursa and one Rhipicephalus turanicus pools, collected from Mediterranean and southeastern Anatolia, with a CCHFV and JMTV coinfected R. bursa pool. The JMTV segment 1 sequences formed a separate cluster with those from Turkey and the Balkan peninsula in the maximum likelihood analysis. TcTV-2 was detected in two Dermacentor marginatus specimens (1.3%) collected in central Anatolia, with nucleocapsid sequences forming a phylogenetically segregated group among viruses from humans and ticks from China and Kazakhstan. Discussion: CCHFV Europe 2 was initially documented in ticks from central Anatolian locations, where related orthonairoviruses had been previously recorded. Ongoing activity and a wider distribution of JMTV and TcTV-2 were observed. These viruses should be screened as potential etiological agents in human infections associated with tick bites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ender Dinçer
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Özkan Timurkan
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Bekir Oğuz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - İsmail Şahindokuyucu
- Bornova Veterinary Control Institute, Veterinary Control Institute Directorates, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Adem Şahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ekinci
- Department of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ceylan Polat
- Virology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Virology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the ocular symptoms and findings of children diagnosed with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). METHODS In this prospective study, children diagnosed with CCHF who underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination during the hospitalization period were included. RESULTS Twenty-four children with a mean age of 12.4 ± 3.6 years were included study. The most common ocular finding was conjunctival hyperemia and was observed in 50% of patients. Nine (37.4%) children had abnormalities in fundus examination. Two (8.3%) of them had dilated retinal veins, and 7 (29.1%) had tortuous retinal vessels. No significant difference was found between mild to moderate and severe disease groups in terms of ocular symptoms and ophthalmologic examination findings (P > 0.05, for all). CONCLUSIONS The increased retinal vessel tortuosity was detected as a fundus examination finding in children with CCHF. Both ophthalmologists and pediatricians should be aware of the various ocular manifestations of CCHF for rapid diagnosis and management.
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