Crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever: A seroepidemiological and molecular survey in Bahar, Hamadan province of Iran

Abstract

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an arboviral zoonotic disease that is asymptomatic in infected animals, but a serious threat to humans. Numerous genera of ticks serve both as vector and reservoir for CCHF virus. CCHF is an endemic disease in different provinces of Iran. In this study by the use of ELISA method, IgG antibodies against CCHF virus were detected in 15(27.8%) out of 54 sheep examined whereas none of the high risk human samples were positive in Bahar Township, a western region of Iran. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed CCHFV in 16.4% of hard tick samples. Six of 43(13.9%) Hyalomma ticks were infected. CCHFV was detected in 3 of 23 (13%) Rhipicephalus sp. and 1 of 5 (20%) of Haemaphysalis sp. Up to now there have been few confirmed human cases in this region. This study confirms the circulation of the virus in this region and so persons in close contact with livestock and also health care workers should be alarmed. © 2008 Academic Journals Inc.