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Nyakarahuka L, Kyondo J, Telford C, Whitesell A, Tumusiime A, Mulei S, Baluku J, Cossaboom CM, Cannon DL, Montgomery JM, Lutwama JJ, Nichol ST, Balinandi SK, Klena JD, Shoemaker TR. Seroepidemiological investigation of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in livestock in Uganda, 2017. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288587. [PMID: 37943886 PMCID: PMC10635543 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an important zoonotic disease transmitted to humans both by tick vectors and contact with fluids from an infected animal or human. Although animals are not symptomatic when infected, they are the main source of human infection. Uganda has reported sporadic human outbreaks of CCHF in various parts of the country since 2013. We designed a nationwide epidemiological study to investigate the burden of CCHF in livestock. A total of 3181 animals were sampled; 1732 cattle (54.4%), 1091 goats (34.3%), and 358 sheep (11.3%) resulting in overall livestock seropositivity of IgG antibodies against CCHF virus (CCHFV) of 31.4% (999/3181). Seropositivity in cattle was 16.9% and in sheep and goats was 48.8%. Adult and juvenile animals had higher seropositivity compared to recently born animals, and seropositivity was higher in female animals (33.5%) compared to male animals (24.1%). Local breeds had higher (36.8%) compared to exotic (2.8%) and cross breeds (19.3%). Animals that had a history of abortion or stillbirth had higher seropositivity compared to those without a history of abortion or stillbirth. CCHFV seropositivity appeared to be generally higher in northern districts of the country, though spatial trends among sampled districts were not examined. A multivariate regression analysis using a generalized linear mixed model showed that animal species, age, sex, region, and elevation were all significantly associated with CCHFV seropositivity after adjusting for the effects of other model predictors. This study shows that CCHFV is actively circulating in Uganda, posing a serious risk for human infection. The results from this study can be used to help target surveillance efforts for early case detection in animals and limit subsequent spillover into humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Nyakarahuka
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jackson Kyondo
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Carson Telford
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Amy Whitesell
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alex Tumusiime
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sophia Mulei
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Baluku
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Caitlin M. Cossaboom
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Deborah L. Cannon
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joel M. Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Julius J. Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Stuart T. Nichol
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephen K. Balinandi
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - John D. Klena
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Trevor R. Shoemaker
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Rodarte KA, Fair JM, Bett BK, Kerfua SD, Fasina FO, Bartlow AW. A scoping review of zoonotic parasites and pathogens associated with abattoirs in Eastern Africa and recommendations for abattoirs as disease surveillance sites. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1194964. [PMID: 37529427 PMCID: PMC10387540 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1194964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Abattoirs are facilities where livestock are slaughtered and are an important aspect in the food production chain. There are several types of abattoirs, which differ in infrastructure and facilities, sanitation and PPE practices, and adherence to regulations. In each abattoir facility, worker exposure to animals and animal products increases their risk of infection from zoonotic pathogens. Backyard abattoirs and slaughter slabs have the highest risk of pathogen transmission because of substandard hygiene practices and minimal infrastructure. These abattoir conditions can often contribute to environmental contamination and may play a significant role in disease outbreaks within communities. To assess further the risk of disease, we conducted a scoping review of parasites and pathogens among livestock and human workers in abattoirs across 13 Eastern African countries, which are hotspots for zoonoses. Our search results (n = 104 articles) showed the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and macroparasites (nematodes, cestodes, etc.) in cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, camels, and poultry. Most articles reported results from cattle, and the most frequent pathogen detected was Mycobacterium bovis, which causes bovine tuberculosis. Some articles included worker survey and questionnaires that suggested how the use of PPE along with proper worker training and safe animal handling practices could reduce disease risk. Based on these findings, we discuss ways to improve abattoir biosafety and increase biosurveillance for disease control and mitigation. Abattoirs are a 'catch all' for pathogens, and by surveying animals at abattoirs, health officials can determine which diseases are prevalent in different regions and which pathogens are most likely transmitted from wildlife to livestock. We suggest a regional approach to biosurveillance, which will improve testing and data gathering for enhanced disease risk mapping and forecasting. Next generation sequencing will be key in identifying a wide range of pathogens, rather than a targeted approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A. Rodarte
- Genomics and Bioanalytics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States
| | - Jeanne M. Fair
- Genomics and Bioanalytics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States
| | - Bernard K. Bett
- International Livestock Research Institute and ILRI/BMZ One Health Research, Education, Outreach and Awareness Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Susan D. Kerfua
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Organization, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Folorunso O. Fasina
- Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Andrew W. Bartlow
- Genomics and Bioanalytics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States
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Chen T, Ding Z, Lan J, Wong G. Advances and perspectives in the development of vaccines against highly pathogenic bunyaviruses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1174030. [PMID: 37274315 PMCID: PMC10234439 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1174030] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased human activities around the globe and the rapid development of once rural regions have increased the probability of contact between humans and wild animals. A majority of bunyaviruses are of zoonotic origin, and outbreaks may result in the substantial loss of lives, economy contraction, and social instability. Many bunyaviruses require manipulation in the highest levels of biocontainment, such as Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories, and the scarcity of this resource has limited the development speed of vaccines for these pathogens. Meanwhile, new technologies have been created, and used to innovate vaccines, like the mRNA vaccine platform and bioinformatics-based antigen design. Here, we summarize current vaccine developments for three different bunyaviruses requiring work in the highest levels of biocontainment: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV), and Hantaan virus (HTNV), and provide perspectives and potential future directions that can be further explored to advance specific vaccines for humans and livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Chen
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Ding
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaming Lan
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
| | - Gary Wong
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Research Unit, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne illness with a wide geographical distribution and case fatality rates of 30% or higher. Caused by infection with the CCHF virus (CCHFV), cases are reported throughout Africa, the Middle East, Asia and southern and eastern Europe. The expanding range of the Hyalomma tick vector is placing new populations at risk for CCHF, and no licensed vaccines or specific antivirals exist to treat CCHF. Furthermore, despite cases of CCHF being reported annually, the host and viral determinants of CCHFV pathogenesis are poorly understood. CCHFV can productively infect a multitude of animal species, yet only humans develop a severe illness. Within human populations, subclinical infections are underappreciated and may represent a substantial proportion of clinical outcomes. Compared with other members of the Bunyavirales order, CCHFV has a more complex genomic organization, with many viral proteins having unclear functions in viral pathogenesis. In recent years, improved animal models have led to increased insights into CCHFV pathogenesis, and several antivirals and vaccines for CCHFV have shown robust efficacy in preclinical models. Translation of these insights and candidate therapeutics to the clinic will hopefully reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by CCHFV.
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Mutational analysis of catalytic site domain of CCHFV L RNA segment. J Mol Model 2023; 29:88. [PMID: 36877258 PMCID: PMC9987378 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05487-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) has tripartite RNA genome and is endemic in various countries of Asia, Africa and Europe. METHOD The present study is focused on mutation profiling of CCHFV L segment and phylogenetic clustering of protein dataset into six CCHFV genotypes. RESULTS Phylogenetic tree rooted with NCBI reference sequence (YP_325663.1) indicated less divergence from genotype III and the sequences belonging to same genotypes have shown less divergence among each other. Mutation frequency at 729 mutated positions was calculated and 563, 49, 33, 46 and 38 amino acid positions were found to be mutated at mutation frequency intervals of 0-0.2, 0.21-0.4, 0.41-0.6, 0.61-0.8 and 0.81-1.0 respectively. Thirty-eight highly frequent mutations (0.81-1.0 interval) were found in all genotypes and mapping in L segment (encoded for RdRp) revealed four mutations (V2074I, I2134T/A, V2148A and Q2695H/R) in catalytic site domain and no mutation in OTU domain. Molecular dynamic simulation and in silico analysis showed that catalytic site domain displayed large deviation and fluctuation upon introduction of these point mutations. CONCLUSION Overall study provides strong evidence that OTU domain is highly conserved and less prone to mutation whereas point mutations recorded in catalytic domain have affected the stability of protein and were found to be persistent in the large population.
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Atim SA, Niebel M, Ashraf S, Vudriko P, Odongo S, Balinandi S, Aber P, Bameka R, Ademun AR, Masembe C, Tweyongyere R, Thomson EC. Prevalence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in livestock following a confirmed human case in Lyantonde district, Uganda. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:7. [PMID: 36611216 PMCID: PMC9824997 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05588-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral infection, characterized by haemorrhagic fever in humans and transient asymptomatic infection in animals. It is an emerging human health threat causing sporadic outbreaks in Uganda. We conducted a detailed outbreak investigation in the animal population following the death from CCHF of a 42-year-old male cattle trader in Lyantonde district, Uganda. This was to ascertain the extent of CCHF virus (CCHFV) circulation among cattle and goats and to identify affected farms and ongoing increased environmental risk for future human infections. METHODS We collected blood and tick samples from 117 cattle and 93 goats, and tested these for anti-CCHFV antibodies and antigen using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and target enrichment next generation sequencing. RESULTS CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 110/117 (94.0%) cattle and 83/93 (89.3%) goats. Animal seropositivity was independently associated with female animals (AOR = 9.42, P = 0.002), and animals reared under a pastoral animal production system (AOR = 6.02, P = 0.019] were more likely to be seropositive than tethered or communally grazed animals. CCHFV was detected by sequencing in Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks but not in domestic animals. CONCLUSION This investigation demonstrated very high seroprevalence of CCHFV antibodies in both cattle and goats in farms associated with a human case of CCHF in Lyantonde. Therefore, building surveillance programs for CCHF around farms in this area and the Ugandan cattle corridor is indicated, in order to identify opportunities for case prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella A Atim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Centre of Virus Research (CVR), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Marc Niebel
- Centre of Virus Research (CVR), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shirin Ashraf
- Centre of Virus Research (CVR), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven Odongo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Balinandi
- Department of Emerging, Re-Emerging and Arbovirus Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Peace Aber
- Case Western Research Collaboration, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Bameka
- Lyantonde District Local Government, Lyantonde, Uganda
| | - Anna R Ademun
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Resources (CoNAS), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Tweyongyere
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emma C Thomson
- Centre of Virus Research (CVR), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Stoker Building, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK.
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Atim SA, Ashraf S, Belij-Rammerstorfer S, Ademun AR, Vudriko P, Nakayiki T, Niebel M, Shepherd J, Balinandi S, Nakanjako G, Abaasa A, Johnson PC, Odongo S, Esau M, Bahati M, Kaleebu P, Lutwama JJ, Masembe C, Lambe T, Thomson EC, Tweyongyere R. Risk factors for Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus exposure in farming communities in Uganda. J Infect 2022; 85:693-701. [PMID: 36108783 PMCID: PMC9731351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an emerging human-health threat causing sporadic outbreaks in livestock farming communities. However, the full extent and the risks associated with exposure of such communities has not previously been well-described. METHODS We collected blood samples from 800 humans, 666 cattle, 549 goats and 32 dogs in districts within and outside Ugandan cattle corridor in a cross-sectional survey, and tested for CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays. Sociodemographic and epidemiological data were recorded using structured questionnaire. Ticks were collected to identify circulating nairoviruses by metagenomic sequencing. RESULTS CCHFV seropositivity was in 221/800 (27·6%) in humans, 612/666 (91·8%) in cattle, 413/549 (75·2%) in goats and 18/32 (56·2%) in dogs. Human seropositivity was associated with livestock farming (AOR=5·68, p<0·0001), age (AOR=2·99, p=0·002) and collecting/eating engorged ticks (AOR=2·13, p=0·004). In animals, seropositivity was higher in cattle versus goats (AOR=2·58, p<0·0001), female sex (AOR=2·13, p=0·002) and heavy tick infestation (>50 ticks: AOR=3·52, p=0·004). CCHFV was identified in multiple tick pools of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. INTERPRETATION The very high CCHF seropositivity especially among livestock farmers and multiple regional risk factors associated exposures, including collecting/eating engorged ticks previously unrecognised, highlights need for further surveillance and sensitisation and control policies against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella A. Atim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda,MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Glasgow, United Kingdom,Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Shirin Ashraf
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anna R Ademun
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Teddy Nakayiki
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Marc Niebel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - James Shepherd
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Balinandi
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gladys Nakanjako
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda,Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Andrew Abaasa
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe Uganda
| | - Paul C.D. Johnson
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Odongo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martin Esau
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Milton Bahati
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda,MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe Uganda
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-emerging Infections, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Resources (CoNAS), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Teresa Lambe
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma C. Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Glasgow, United Kingdom,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robert Tweyongyere
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda,Corresponding Authors.
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Lule SA, Gibb R, Kizito D, Nakanjako G, Mutyaba J, Balinandi S, Owen L, Jones KE, Abubakar I, Lutwama JJ, Field N. Widespread exposure to Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Uganda might be driven by transmission from Rhipicephalus ticks: Evidence from cross-sectional and modelling studies. J Infect 2022; 85:683-692. [PMID: 36152736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.09.016] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick-borne viral infection, present across Africa and Eurasia, which might pose a cryptic public health problem in Uganda. We aimed to understand the magnitude and distribution of CCHF risk in humans, livestock and ticks across Uganda by synthesising epidemiological (cross-sectional) and ecological (modelling) studies. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study at three urban abattoirs receiving cattle from across Uganda. We sampled humans (n = 478), livestock (n = 419) and ticks (n = 1065) and used commercially-available kits to detect human and livestock CCHF virus (CCHFV) antibodies and antigen in tick pools. We developed boosted regression tree models to evaluate the correlates and geographical distribution of expected tick and wildlife hosts, and of human CCHF exposures, drawing on continent-wide data. FINDINGS The cross-sectional study found CCHFV IgG/IgM seroprevalence in humans of 10·3% (7·8-13·3), with antibody detection positively associated with reported history of tick bite (age-adjusted odds ratio = 2·09 (1·09-3·98)). Cattle had a seroprevalence of 69·7% (65·1-73·4). Only one Hyalomma tick (CCHFV-negative) was found. However, CCHFV antigen was detected in Rhipicephalus (5·9% of 304 pools) and Amblyomma (2·9% of 34 pools) species. Modelling predicted high human CCHF risk across much of Uganda, low environmental suitability for Hyalomma, and high suitability for Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma. INTERPRETATION Our epidemiological and ecological studies provide complementary evidence that CCHF exposure risk is widespread across Uganda. We challenge the idea that Hyalomma ticks are consistently the principal reservoir and vector for CCHFV, and postulate that Rhipicephalus might be important for CCHFV transmission in Uganda, due to high frequency of infected ticks and predicted environmental suitability. FUNDING UCL Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) and Pan-African Network on Emerging and Re-Emerging Infections (PANDORA-ID-NET) funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) under the EU Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaib A Lule
- Institute for Global Health (IGH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Rory Gibb
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dennison Kizito
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gladys Nakanjako
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Mutyaba
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Stephen Balinandi
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Leah Owen
- Institute for Global Health (IGH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate E Jones
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ibrahim Abubakar
- Institute for Global Health (IGH), University College London, London, UK
| | - Julius J Lutwama
- Department of Arbovirology, Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (DAERID), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Nigel Field
- Institute for Global Health (IGH), University College London, London, UK.
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Sana M, Javed A, Babar Jamal S, Junaid M, Faheem M. Development of multivalent vaccine targeting M segment of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) using immunoinformatic approaches. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:2372-2388. [PMID: 35531180 PMCID: PMC9072894 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral infection with no licensed vaccine or therapeutics available for its treatment. In the present study we have developed the first multi-epitope subunit vaccine effective against all the seven genotypes of CCHF virus (CCHFV). The vaccine contains five B-cell, two MHC-II (HTL), and three MHC-I (CTL) epitopes screened from two structural glycoproteins (Gc and Gn in M segment) of CCHFV with an N-terminus human β-defensin as an adjuvant, as well as an N-terminus EAAAK sequence. The epitopes were rigorously investigated for their antigenicity, allergenicity, IFN gamma induction, anti-inflammatory responses, stability, and toxicity. The three-dimensional structure of the vaccine was predicted and docked with TLR-3, TLR-8, and TLR-9 receptors to find the strength of the binding complexes via molecular dynamics simulation. After codon adaptation, the subunit vaccine construct was developed in a pDual-GC plasmid and has population coverage of 98.47% of the world's population (HLA-I & II combined). The immune simulation studies were carried out on the C-ImmSim in-silico interface showing a marked increase in the production of cellular and humoral response (B-cell and T-cell) as well as TGFβ, IL-2, IL-10, and IL-12 indicating that the proposed vaccine would be able to sufficiently provoke both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Thus, making it a new and promising vaccine candidate against CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaza Sana
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aneela Javed
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Babar Jamal
- Deparment of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Abid Majeed Rd, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- Precision Medicine Laboratory, Rehman Medical Institute, Hayatabad, Peshawar, KPK, 25000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Faheem
- Deparment of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Abid Majeed Rd, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan
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Hemorrhagic Fever Viruses: Pathogenesis and Countermeasures. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030591. [PMID: 35336165 PMCID: PMC8951599 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Before December 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, the general public was to some extent aware that zoonotic viruses can spill over into the human population and cause a disease outbreak [...]
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Shahhosseini N, Wong G, Babuadze G, Camp JV, Ergonul O, Kobinger GP, Chinikar S, Nowotny N. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Asia, Africa and Europe. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9091907. [PMID: 34576803 PMCID: PMC8471816 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global spread of ticks and various tick-borne viruses (TBVs) suggests the possibility of new tick-borne diseases emerging. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an emerging TBV of the Nairoviridae family that causes serious disease that can be fatal in humans. CCHFV endemic foci can be found in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South-Eastern Europe, and has spread to previously unaffected regions and nations, such as Spain, over the last two decades. In this review, we discuss the current situation of CCHFV in Asia, Africa and Europe based on existing knowledge, and we discuss driving factors in the distribution and transmission of the virus, such as the spread of tick vector species and host reservoirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nariman Shahhosseini
- Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Lethbridge, AB T1H 6P7, Canada;
| | - Gary Wong
- Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d’Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.W.); (G.P.K.)
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - George Babuadze
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada;
| | - Jeremy V. Camp
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Onder Ergonul
- Koç University, School of Medicine and Koç University Iş Bank Center for Infectious Diseases, Istanbul 34450, Turkey;
| | - Gary P. Kobinger
- Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d’Immunologie, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.W.); (G.P.K.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sadegh Chinikar
- Pasteur Institute of Tehran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (N.N.)
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (S.C.); (N.N.)
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