1
|
Telford C, Nyakarahuka L, Waller L, Kitron U, Shoemaker T. Spatial prediction of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus seroprevalence among livestock in Uganda. One Health 2023; 17:100576. [PMID: 38024282 PMCID: PMC10665170 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a viral disease that can infect humans via contact with tick vectors or livestock reservoirs and can cause moderate to severe disease. The first human case of CCHF in Uganda was identified in 2013. To determine the geographic distribution of the CCHF virus (CCHFV), serosampling among herds of livestock was conducted in 28 Uganda districts in 2017. A geostatistical model of CCHF seroprevalence among livestock was developed to incorporate environmental and anthropogenic variables associated with elevated CCHF seroprevalence to predict CCHF seroprevalence on a map of Uganda and estimate the probability that CCHF seroprevalence exceeded 30% at each prediction location. Environmental and anthropogenic variables were also analyzed in separate models to determine the spatially varying drivers of prediction and determine which covariate class resulted in best prediction certainty. Covariates used in the full model included distance to the nearest croplands, average annual change in night-time light index, percent sand soil content, land surface temperature, and enhanced vegetation index. Elevated CCHF seroprevalence occurred in patches throughout the country, being highest in northern Uganda. Environmental covariates drove predicted seroprevalence in the full model more than anthropogenic covariates. Combination of environmental and anthropogenic variables resulted in the best prediction certainty. An understanding of the spatial distribution of CCHF across Uganda and the variables that drove predictions can be used to prioritize specific locations and activities to reduce the risk of future CCHF transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carson Telford
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Luke Nyakarahuka
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, 51-59 Nakiwogo Road, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, 7062 University Rd, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lance Waller
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Uriel Kitron
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Trevor Shoemaker
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Adesola RO, Warsame AAA, Idris I. Current status of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever outbreaks in Uganda and other African countries. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1383. [PMID: 37396559 PMCID: PMC10308354 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Abi Abdi Warsame
- Department of Animal Production and Marketing, Faculty of Agriculture and EnvironmentGulu UniversityGuluUganda
| | - Ibrahim Idris
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUsmanu Danfodiyo UniversitySokotoNigeria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nyakarahuka L, Whitmer S, Kyondo J, Mulei S, Cossaboom CM, Telford CT, Tumusiime A, Akurut GG, Namanya D, Kamugisha K, Baluku J, Lutwama J, Balinandi S, Shoemaker T, Klena JD. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak in Refugee Settlement during COVID-19 Pandemic, Uganda, April 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2326-2329. [PMID: 36198315 PMCID: PMC9622249 DOI: 10.3201/eid2811.220365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) was detected in 2 refugees living in a refugee settlement in Kikuube district, Uganda. Investigations revealed a CCHF IgG seroprevalence of 71.3% (37/52) in goats within the refugee settlement. This finding highlights the need for a multisectoral approach to controlling CCHF in humans and animals in Uganda.
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
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.
Collapse
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)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rodriguez SE, Hawman DW, Sorvillo TE, O'Neal TJ, Bird BH, Rodriguez LL, Bergeron É, Nichol ST, Montgomery JM, Spiropoulou CF, Spengler JR. Immunobiology of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Antiviral Res 2022; 199:105244. [PMID: 35026307 PMCID: PMC9245446 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human infection with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a tick-borne pathogen in the family Nairoviridae, can result in a spectrum of outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic infection through mild clinical signs to severe or fatal disease. Studies of CCHFV immunobiology have investigated the relationship between innate and adaptive immune responses with disease severity, attempting to elucidate factors associated with differential outcomes. In this article, we begin by highlighting unanswered questions, then review current efforts to answer them. We discuss in detail current clinical studies and research in laboratory animals on CCHF, including immune targets of infection and adaptive and innate immune responses. We summarize data about the role of the immune response in natural infections of animals and humans and experimental studies in vitro and in vivo and from evaluating immune-based therapies and vaccines, and present recommendations for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E Rodriguez
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Teresa E Sorvillo
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - T Justin O'Neal
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brian H Bird
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Luis L Rodriguez
- Foreign Animal Disease Research Unit, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Orient Point, New York, USA
| | - Éric Bergeron
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Stuart T Nichol
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Joel M Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christina F Spiropoulou
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica R Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Cattle of Smallholder Farmers in Central Malawi. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121613. [PMID: 34959568 PMCID: PMC8709441 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121613] [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] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is endemic in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe where it circulates among animals and ticks causing sporadic outbreaks in humans. Although CCHF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, epidemiological information is lacking in many countries, including Malawi. To assess the risk of CCHF in Malawi, we conducted an epidemiological study in cattle reared by smallholder livestock farmers in central Malawi. A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2020 involving seven districts, four from Kasungu and three from Lilongwe Agriculture Development Divisions. A structured questionnaire was administered to farmers to obtain demographic, animal management, and ecological risk factors data. Sera were collected from randomly selected cattle and screened for CCHF virus (CCHFV) specific antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit. Ticks were collected from cattle and classified morphologically to species level. An overall CCHFV seropositivity rate of 46.9% (n = 416; 95% CI: 42.0–51.8%) was observed. The seropositivity was significantly associated with the age of cattle (p < 0.001), sex (p < 0.001), presence of ticks in herds (p = 0.01), district (p = 0.025), and type of grazing lands (p = 0.013). Five species of ticks were identified, including Hyalomma truncatum, a known vector of CCHFV. Ticks of the species Hyalomma truncatum were not detected in two districts with the highest seroprevalence for CCHF and vector competency must be further explored in the study area. To our knowledge, this is the first report of serologic evidence of the presence of CCHV among smallholder cattle in central Malawi. This study emphasizes the need for continued monitoring of CCHFV infection among livestock, ticks, and humans for the development of data-based risk mitigation strategies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Temur AI, Kuhn JH, Pecor DB, Apanaskevich DA, Keshtkar-Jahromi M. Epidemiology of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Africa-Underestimated for Decades. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1978-1990. [PMID: 33900999 PMCID: PMC8176481 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endemic in Africa, but the epidemiology remains to be defined. Using a broad database search, we reviewed the literature to better define CCHF evidence in Africa. We used a One Health approach to define the impact of CCHF by reviewing case reports, human and animal serology, and records of CCHF virus (CCHFV) isolations (1956-mid-2020). In addition, published and unpublished collection data were used to estimate the geographic distribution of Hyalomma ticks and infection vectors. We implemented a previously proposed classification scheme for organizing countries into five categories by the level of evidence. From January 1, 1956 to July 25, 2020, 494 CCHF cases (115 lethal) were reported in Africa. Since 2000, nine countries (Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, and Tunisia) have reported their first CCHF cases. Nineteen countries reported CCHF cases and were assigned level 1 or level 2 based on maturity of their surveillance system. Thirty countries with evidence of CCHFV circulation in the absence of CCHF cases were assigned level 3 or level 4. Twelve countries for which no data were available were assigned level 5. The goal of this review is to inform international organizations, local governments, and healthcare professionals about shortcomings in CCHF surveillance in Africa to assist in a movement toward strengthening policy to improve CCHF surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Irfan Temur
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jens H. Kuhn
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - David B. Pecor
- Department of Entomology, Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, Smithsonian Institution, Suitland, Maryland
- Department of Entomology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Dmitry A. Apanaskevich
- US National Tick Collection, The James H. Oliver Jr. Institute for Coastal Plain Science, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia
| | - Maryam Keshtkar-Jahromi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sporadic outbreaks of crimean-congo haemorrhagic fever in Uganda, July 2018-January 2019. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009213. [PMID: 33684124 PMCID: PMC7971858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne, zoonotic viral disease that causes haemorrhagic symptoms. Despite having eight confirmed outbreaks between 2013 and 2017, all within Uganda’s ‘cattle corridor’, no targeted tick control programs exist in Uganda to prevent disease. During a seven-month-period from July 2018-January 2019, the Ministry of Health confirmed multiple independent CCHF outbreaks. We investigated to identify risk factors and recommend interventions to prevent future outbreaks. Methods We defined a confirmed case as sudden onset of fever (≥37.5°C) with ≥4 of the following signs and symptoms: anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, abdominal pain, joint pain, or sudden unexplained bleeding in a resident of the affected districts who tested positive for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFv) by RT-PCR from 1 July 2018–30 January 2019. We reviewed medical records and performed active case-finding. We conducted a case-control study and compared exposures of case-patients with age-, sex-, and sub-county-matched control-persons (1:4). Results We identified 14 confirmed cases (64% males) with five deaths (case-fatality rate: 36%) from 11 districts in western and central region. Of these, eight (73%) case-patients resided in Uganda’s ‘cattle corridor’. One outbreak involved two case-patients and the remainder involved one. All case-patients had fever and 93% had unexplained bleeding. Case-patients were aged 6–36 years, with persons aged 20–44 years more affected (AR: 7.2/1,000,000) than persons ≤19 years (2.0/1,000,000), p = 0.015. Most (93%) case-patients had contact with livestock ≤2 weeks before symptom onset. Twelve (86%) lived <1 km from grazing fields compared with 27 (48%) controls (ORM-H = 18, 95% CI = 3.2-∞) and 10 (71%) of 14 case-patients found ticks attached to their bodies ≤2 weeks before symptom onset, compared to 15 (27%) of 56 control-persons (ORM-H = 9.3, 95%CI = 1.9–46). Conclusions CCHF outbreaks occurred sporadically during 2018–2019, both within and outside ‘cattle corridor’ districts of Uganda. Most cases were associated with tick exposure. The Ministry of Health should partner with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to develop joint nationwide tick control programs and strategies with shared responsibilities through a One Health approach. Uganda has had multiple Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreaks since 2013 when the first outbreak was confirmed. Tick exposure has been identified as the major risk factor by our study and this finding was similar with other studies done during outbreaks in Uganda. However, Uganda still lacks national tick control guidelines and indiscriminate use of acaricides (pesticides specially for ticks) has been observed widely. This has been cited to influence increased tick resistance to acaricides. Our study might not indicate whether tick resistance to acaricides has increased tick populations in Uganda however it is imperative that tick control is considered in efforts of prevention and control of CCHF outbreaks. We therefore recommend improved tick control in Uganda through national regulations on acaricide distribution and use, development of strategies to reduce tick resistance to acaricides in the country, and more community-based engagement of tick control in livestock management.
Collapse
|
12
|
Wampande EM, Waiswa P, Allen DJ, Hewson R, Frost SDW, Stubbs SCB. Phylogenetic Characterization of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Detected in African Blue Ticks Feeding on Cattle in a Ugandan Abattoir. Microorganisms 2021; 9:438. [PMID: 33672497 PMCID: PMC7923759 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the most geographically widespread of the tick-borne viruses. However, African strains of CCHFV are poorly represented in sequence databases. In addition, almost all sequence data collected to date have been obtained from cases of human disease, while information regarding the circulation of the virus in tick and animal reservoirs is severely lacking. Here, we characterize the complete coding region of a novel CCHFV strain, detected in African blue ticks (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus) feeding on cattle in an abattoir in Kampala, Uganda. These cattle originated from a farm in Mbarara, a major cattle-trading hub for much of Uganda. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the newly sequenced strain belongs to the African genotype II clade, which predominantly contains the sequences of strains isolated from West Africa in the 1950s, and South Africa in the 1980s. Whilst the viral S (nucleoprotein) and L (RNA polymerase) genome segments shared >90% nucleotide similarity with previously reported genotype II strains, the glycoprotein-coding M segment shared only 80% nucleotide similarity with the next most closely related strains, which were derived from ticks in Western India and Northern China. This genome segment also displayed a large number of non-synonymous mutations previously unreported in the genotype II strains. Characterization of this novel strain adds to our limited understanding of the natural diversity of CCHFV circulating in both ticks and in Africa. Such data can be used to inform the design of vaccines and diagnostics, as well as studies exploring the epidemiology and evolution of the virus for the establishment of future CCHFV control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eddie M. Wampande
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; (E.M.W.); (P.W.)
| | - Peter Waiswa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; (E.M.W.); (P.W.)
| | - David J. Allen
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (D.J.A.); (R.H.)
| | - Roger Hewson
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (D.J.A.); (R.H.)
- Virology and Pathogenesis Group, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Simon D. W. Frost
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
- Microsoft Research, Redmond, Washington, DC 98052, USA
| | - Samuel C. B. Stubbs
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chiuya T, Masiga DK, Falzon LC, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Villinger J. Tick-borne pathogens, including Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in western Kenya. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:2429-2445. [PMID: 33142046 PMCID: PMC8359211 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vectors of emerging infectious diseases have expanded their distributional ranges in recent decades due to increased global travel, trade connectivity and climate change. Transboundary range shifts, arising from the continuous movement of humans and livestock across borders, are of particular disease control concern. Several tick-borne diseases are known to circulate between eastern Uganda and the western counties of Kenya, with one fatal case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) reported in 2000 in western Kenya. Recent reports of CCHF in Uganda have highlighted the risk of cross-border disease translocation and the importance of establishing inter-epidemic, early warning systems to detect possible outbreaks. We therefore carried out surveillance of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in three counties of western Kenya that neighbour Uganda. Ticks and other ectoparasites were collected from livestock and identified using morphological keys. The two most frequently sampled tick species were Rhipicephalus decoloratus (35%) and Amblyomma variegatum (30%); Ctenocephalides felis fleas and Haematopinus suis lice were also present. In total, 486 ticks, lice and fleas were screened for pathogen presence using established molecular workflows incorporating high-resolution melting analysis and identified through sequencing of PCR products. We detected CCHF virus in Rh. decoloratus and Rhipicephalus sp. cattle ticks, and 82 of 96 pools of Am. variegatum were positive for Rickettsia africae. Apicomplexan protozoa and bacteria of veterinary importance, such as Theileria parva, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale, were primarily detected in rhipicephaline ticks. Our findings show the presence of several pathogens of public health and veterinary importance in ticks from livestock at livestock markets and slaughterhouses in western Kenya. Confirmation of CCHF virus, a Nairovirus that causes haemorrhagic fever with a high case fatality rate in humans, highlights the risk of under-diagnosed zoonotic diseases and calls for continuous surveillance and the development of preventative measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Daniel K Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Laura C Falzon
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.,International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.,International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li Y, Yan C, Liu D, He B, Tu C. Seroepidemiological Investigation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Sheep and Camels of Inner Mongolia of China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:461-467. [PMID: 32155395 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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 highly lethal infectious disease in humans caused by tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). To determine the potential risk of CCHF in the pastoral area of Northwestern China, the presence of antibody to CCHFV in the sera of two most common tick hosts, sheep and camels, in Inner Mongolia of China was evaluated. The purified recombinant nucleocapsid protein (NP) of CCHFV was prepared from a prokaryotic vector expressing the NP encoding gene, which was employed as the antigen to probe antibody against CCHFV in tick vectors using an immunoblotting assay. In total, 58.3% (35/60) and 54% (12/22) of camels were positive of antibody to CCHFV in sera at Alxa Youqi County and Ulan Hudu Gacha Village of Inner Mongolia Province, respectively. However, only 6.7% (2/30) of sera of sheep were determined positive in antibody to CCHFV in the Wulan Hudug check area in this study. Consequently, these results indicate that 54-58.3% camels were infected by CCHFV after exposure to tick bites in Inner Mongolia, which was significantly higher than 6.7% of infection in the sheep in this area, suggesting there is a certain relationship between the serological reactivity and exposure time to ticks, range of activity, living behaviors, and breeding time. Further intensive surveillance of livestock and exposed population is required to better understand the spread of CCHFV in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Protection and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China.,School of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chao Yan
- School of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Dongxiao Liu
- School of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Biao He
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Changchun Tu
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gruber CEM, Bartolini B, Castilletti C, Mirazimi A, Hewson R, Christova I, Avšič T, Grunow R, Papa A, Sánchez-Seco MP, Kopmans M, Ippolito G, Capobianchi MR, Reusken CBEM, Di Caro A. Geographical Variability Affects CCHFV Detection by RT-PCR: A Tool for In-Silico Evaluation of Molecular Assays. Viruses 2019; 11:E953. [PMID: 31623214 PMCID: PMC6833031 DOI: 10.3390/v11100953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is considered to be a major emerging infectious threat, according to the WHO R&D blueprint. A wide range of CCHFV molecular assays have been developed, employing varied primer/probe combinations. The high genetic variability of CCHFV often hampers the efficacy of available molecular tests and can affect their diagnostic potential. Recently, increasing numbers of complete CCHFV genomic sequences have become available, allowing a better appreciation of the genomic evolution of this virus. We summarized the current knowledge on molecular methods and developed a new bioinformatics tool to evaluate the existing assays for CCHFV detection, with a special focus on strains circulating in different geographical areas. Twenty-two molecular methods and 181 sequences of CCHFV were collected, respectively, from PubMed and GenBank databases. Up to 28 mismatches between primers and probes of each assay and CCHFV strains were detected through in-silico PCR analysis. Combinations of up to three molecular methods markedly decreased the number of mismatches within most geographic areas. These results supported the good practice of CCHFV detection of performing more than one assay, aimed for different sequence targets. The choice of the most appropriate tests must take into account patient's travel history and geographic distribution of the different CCHFV strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cesare E M Gruber
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) "L. Spallanzani" IRCCS, WHO Collaborating Center for clinical care, diagnosis, response and training on Highly Infectious Diseases, 00149 Rome, Italy.
| | - Barbara Bartolini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) "L. Spallanzani" IRCCS, WHO Collaborating Center for clinical care, diagnosis, response and training on Highly Infectious Diseases, 00149 Rome, Italy.
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) "L. Spallanzani" IRCCS, WHO Collaborating Center for clinical care, diagnosis, response and training on Highly Infectious Diseases, 00149 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Public Health agency of Sweden, 17182 Solna, Sweden.
- National veterinary Institute, 75189 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of laboratory Medicine, Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Roger Hewson
- Public Health England, National Infection Service WHO Collaborating Centre for Virus Reference and Research (Special Pathogens) Porton Down, Salisbury SP40JG, UK.
| | - Iva Christova
- National Reference Laboratory on Vector-Borne Pathogens, Leptospira and Listeria, Microbiology Department, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Tatjana Avšič
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Roland Grunow
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (ZBS 2), Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Anna Papa
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - María P Sánchez-Seco
- National Centre of Microbiology, Institute of Health "Carlos III", Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marion Kopmans
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, WHO Collaborating Centre for arbovirus and viral hemorrhagic fever reference and research, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) "L. Spallanzani" IRCCS, WHO Collaborating Center for clinical care, diagnosis, response and training on Highly Infectious Diseases, 00149 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria R Capobianchi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) "L. Spallanzani" IRCCS, WHO Collaborating Center for clinical care, diagnosis, response and training on Highly Infectious Diseases, 00149 Rome, Italy.
| | - Chantal B E M Reusken
- Erasmus MC, Department of Viroscience, WHO Collaborating Centre for arbovirus and viral hemorrhagic fever reference and research, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Antonino Di Caro
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) "L. Spallanzani" IRCCS, WHO Collaborating Center for clinical care, diagnosis, response and training on Highly Infectious Diseases, 00149 Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: An update. Med Mal Infect 2019; 49:574-585. [PMID: 31607406 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe form of hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus of the genus Nairovirus. The amplifying hosts are various mammal species that remain asymptomatic. Humans are infected by tick bites or contact with animal blood. CCHF has a broad geographic distribution and is endemic in Africa, Asia (in particular the Middle East) and South East Europe. This area has expanded in recent years with two indigenous cases reported in Spain in 2016 and 2018. The incubation period is short with the onset of symptoms in generally less than a week. The initial symptoms are common to other infectious syndromes with fever, headache, myalgia and gastrointestinal symptoms. The hemorrhagic syndrome occurs during a second phase with sometimes major bleeding in and from the mucous membranes and the skin. Strict barrier precautionary measures are required to prevent secondary and nosocomial spread. CCHF may be documented by PCR detection of the virus genome during the first days after the onset of illness, and then by serological testing for IgM antibodies as from the 2nd week after infection. Patient management is mainly based on supportive care. Despite a few encouraging retrospective reports, there is no confirmed evidence that supports the use of ribavirin for curative treatment. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization continues to recommend the use of ribavirin to treat CCHF, considering the limited medical risk related to short-term treatment. The prescription of ribavirin should however be encouraged post-exposure for medical professionals, to prevent secondary infection.
Collapse
|