Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: Pathogenesis, transmission and public health challenges

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Exposure in Wild and Domestic Animals in Benin

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic viral disease prevalent in Africa. While infection is asymptomatic in animals, it can cause severe illness with hemorrhagic manifestations and high mortality rates in humans. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors of CCHF in wild (rodents, birds) and domestic (cattle, horses) animals in Benin. A cross-sectional study was carried out from 2022 to 2024 with the assistance of cattle breeders, hunters, farmers and bushmeat sellers in 15 districts found in three agroecological zones in the country. A total of 366 serum samples were analyzed, comprising 254 collected from wild animals and 112 from domestic animals. Among the wild animals tested, 1.18% (95% CI: 0.31-3.70; n = 3) were seropositive for antibodies against CCHF virus (CCHFV). The seroprevalence rates were 3.7% (95% CI: 0.19-20.89) in squirrels, 5.88% (95% CI: 0.31-30.76) in hares and 1.19% (95% CI: 0.06-7.38) in giant rats. In domestic animals, anti-CCHFV antibodies were detected in 38 of the 112 samples, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 33.93% (95% CI: 25.42-43.56). Specifically, antibodies were identified in 34 out of 81 cattle (41.98%, 95% CI: 31.26-53.46) and 4 out of 24 horses (16.67%, 95% CI: 5.48-38.19). No positive samples were reported in pigeons. This study provides the first seroprevalence data on CCHF in wild and domestic animals in Benin. It highlights the risk and epidemiological dynamics of the disease and underscores the need for further investigations into tick vectors and human populations.