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There is a considerable increase in vector-borne zoonotic diseases around the world, including Turkey, such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), tick borne encephalitis (TBE), Rift Valley fever (RVF), and West Nile fever (WNF), causing disease and death in humans and animals and significant economical losses. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of CCHF virus (CCHFV) and TBE virus (TBEV) in ticks and RVF virus (RVFV) and WNF virus (WNV) in mosquitos, as well as in sheep and cattle, in the Thrace district of the Marmara region, which borders Bulgaria and Greece. Buffy-coat samples from 86 cattle and 81 sheep, as well as 563 ticks and 7390 mosquitos, were collected and examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR for the presence of CCHFV, TBEV, RVFV, and WNV. All buffy-coat samples from cattle and sheep were negative for these viruses. Similarly, all tick samples were negative for CCHFV-RNA and TBEV-RNA. Among 245 pools representing 7390 mosquitos, only 1 pool sample was found to be positive for WNV-RNA and was confirmed by sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that it was WNV lineage-2. No RVFV-RNA was detected in the 245 mosquito pools. In conclusion, results of this study indicate that CCHFV, TBEV, and RVFV are not present in livestock and respective vectors in the Thrace district of Marmara region of Turkey, whereas WNV-RNA was found in mosquitos from this region.

Aim. To determine the boundaries of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) natural focus in the Russian Federation at the current stage, to clarify the range of the main reservoirs and vectors of CCHF pathogen, to assess the epidemiological capacity of the natural focus. Materials and methods. The materials of epidemiological and epizootological monitoring of the CCHF natural focus, methods of epidemiological and epizootological analysis, molecular-genetic and cartographic methods were used in the work. The findings have been treated using by software package Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Results. The unified integrity of the CCHF semi-desert-steppe natural focus, which occupies vast territory of the southern part of the Russian Federation of 831 thousand square kilometres, is science-based. Expanding the geographic area of the CCHF agent with the involvement new administrative district can be seen. The trend of shifting of the CCHF natural focus borders in a northerly direction has been established. An increasing of epidemiological capacity of the CCHF natural focus has been noted. Hyalomma marginatum ticks are the main reservoirs and vectors of CCHF virus. The genotype «Europe-1» is predominant genotype in the natural focus. Conclusion. It is necessary to improve the tactics of CCHF epidemiological surveillance using modern science-based approaches. For example, automated forecasting-modeling system, using results of multifactorial risk analysis, which have an impact on the intensity of CCHF epidemic appearances, allows to quantitative forecast epidemiological situation on this infection in the aggregate and for certain subjects of the south of the Russian Federation.

Background. The epidemiological situation in the Astrakhan region indicates the activation of the natural foci of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), due to a sharp increase in carriers and guardians of the CCHF pathogen, Hyalomma marginatum, on both farm animals and in open biotopes. Natural conditions in combination with human activities (animal husbandry, crop production) and the lack of anti-tick measures create a favorable environment for the population of vectors and, therefore, for the circulation of the CCHF virus. Aim - identification of features of ecological and epidemiological manifestations of the CCHF in the Astrakhan region in 2000-2016. Results. The state of the natural foci of CCHF was monitored, which is endemic and the most severely occurring natural focal disease of arbovirus etiology in the Astrakhan region, preserving the tendency to expand the range. For the analyzed period from 2000 to 2016.151 cases of CCHF were registered in the Astrakhan region, the average long-term incidence rate of the population was 0.88 ± 0.2 per 100 ths of the population. The disease is registered in all districts of the region and the city of Astrakhan, but the largest number is noted in the floodplain-delta regions, where there are favorable conditions for grazing cattle. There is a clear connection between the infection and certain landscapes, where the necessary set of conditions for the circulation of the pathogen is provided.

Objective. The analysis of epidemiological situation on Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) in the Russian Federation at the current stage, identification of ways to improve the epidemiological surveillance and prophylaxis of the disease. Materials and methods. Data from statistical documentation and results of annual epizootiological monitoring of the CHF natural focus provided by the Administrations of the Rospotrebnadzor, Centers of Hygiene and Epidemiology in entities of the Southern and the North-Caucasian Federal Districts, Reference Centre for CHF monitoring, Research Anti-Plague Institutions and Plague Control stations were used for work. Results and conclusions. The CHF epidemio­logical situation remains unstable, the cases of the disease (including fatal) are registered every year. High activity of the CHF natural focus persists. The northward expansion of CHF natural focus boundaries is observed. The main causes of the unfavorable CHF epidemiological situation are associated with increase in the numbers and period of activity of ticks Hyalomma marginatum due to favorable climatic conditions. The list of priority measures to stabilize the CHF epidemiological situation developed by the Rospotrebnadzor has resulted in decrease in CHF cases by 51.9 % in 2017 compared to 2016 across all the territory of the south of the Russian Federation. The CHF morbidity in 2018 was 1.5 times lower than the average multi-year values (72 CHF patients). The number of CHF cases in comparison to 2017 has decreased by 1.3 times in the Stavropol Territory and by 1.4 times in the Rostov Region. The CHF morbidity has increased in the Astrakhan Region (by 3 times) and Volgograd Region (by 2.3 times). Nosocomial CCHF virus infections cases associated with non-compliance to anti-epidemic regime in hospitals while providing treatment of CHF patients were registered in 2011 (in the Rostov Region) and in 2016 (in the Stavropol Territory). This highlights the need to improve the training of health-care staff for admission of patients with this particularly dangerous infection.

Crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is one among the major zoonosis viral diseases that use the Hyalomma ticks as their transmission vector to cause viral infection to the human and mammalian community. The fatality of infectious is high across the world especially in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Europe. This study regarding codon usage bias of S, M, and L segments of the CCHF virus pertaining to the host Homo sapiens, reveals in-depth information about the evolutionary characteristics of CCHFV. Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU), Effective number of codons (ENC) were calculated, to determine the codon usage pattern in each segment. Correlation analysis between Codon adaptation index (CAI), GRAVY (Hydrophobicity), AROMO (Aromaticity), and nucleotide composition revealed bias in the codon usage pattern. There was no strong codon bias found among any segments of the CCHF virus, indicating both the factors i.e., natural selection and mutational pressure shapes the codon usage bias.

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.

Background Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is considered an emerging or even a probable re-emerging pathogen in southern Europe. Presence of this virus had been reported previously in Spain in 2010. Aim We aimed to evaluate the potential circulation of CCHFV in western Spain with a serosurvey in asymptomatic adults (blood donors). Methods During 2017 and 2018, we conducted a CCHFV serosurvey in randomly selected asymptomatic blood donors from western Spain. Three assays using specific IgG antibodies against CCHFV were performed: the VectoCrimea ELISA test, an in-house ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (EuroImmun) test with glycoprotein and nucleoprotein. Results A total of 516 blood donors participated in this cross-sectional study. The majority of the study participants were male (68.4%), and the mean age was 46.3 years. Most of the participants came from rural areas (86.8%) and 68.6% had contact with animals and 20.9% had animal husbandry practices. One in five participants (109/516, 21.1%) were engaged in at-risk professional activities such as agriculture and shepherding, slaughtering, hunting, veterinary and healthcare work (mainly nursing staff and laboratory technicians). A total of 15.3% of the participants were bitten by ticks in the days or months before the date of sampling. We detected anti-CCHFV IgG antibodies with two diagnostic assays in three of the 516 individuals and with one diagnostic assay in six of the 516 individuals. Conclusion Seroprevalence of CCHFV was between 0.58% and 1.16% in Castile-León, Spain. This is the first study in western Spain that showed circulation of CCHFV in healthy people.

Introduction: Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a fatal tick-borne viral zoonosis with a case fatality rate of 5% to 30%. CCHF has been documented as the most frequent tick-borne viral infection in Iran with more than 50 cases annually. Kerman Province in the south of Iran is one of the CCHF-endemic areas of the country, but no data on infection of ticks with this virus from this area is available. This study aimed to investigate the CCHFV infection among ticks collected from 4 different counties in this province. Methods: In 2011, a total of 203 hard ticks were collected from Kerman, Jiroft, Sirjan, and Kuhbanan counties in Kerman Province, southeast of Iran. Infection of ticks with CCHFV was investigated using RT-PCR targeting the small segment of the viral genome. Results: Out of 203 ticks, Dermacentor (50.24%) was the most frequent genus followed by Hyalomma (39.39%), Haemaphysalis (9.85%) and Rhipicephalus (0.49%). Our results showed no CCHFV infection of ticks. Conclusion: Our finding indicates no circulation of CCHFV in ticks from Kerman Province. However, as Kerman Province is an endemic region for CCHF, further investigations are needed to have a better understanding of the CCHFV vectors in this region.

Summary Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick‐borne viral zoonosis with a case‐fatality rate ranging from 9% to 50% in humans. Although a licensed vaccine to prevent infection by the CCHF virus (CCHFV) exists, its ability to induce neutralizing antibodies is limited and its efficacy against CCHFV remains undetermined. In addition, controlling CCHF infections by eradication of the tick reservoir has been ineffective, both economically and logistically, and the treatment options for CCHF remain limited. In this review, we first critically discuss the existing animal models to evaluate therapeutics for CCHF. We then review the therapeutic options for CCHF that have been investigated in human cases, followed by investigational drugs that have been evaluated in pre‐clinical studies. We highlight the importance of understanding human prognostic factors in developing an animal model for CCHF that recapitulates hallmarks of human disease and its implication for selecting therapeutic candidates.

This paper presents the analysis of Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) morbidity rates in Russia in 2017; summarized are the results of epidemiological survey of the territory of the natural CHF focus in the south of the European part of Russia, discussed are the results of genetic typing of CCHF virus isolates. In 2017, the Russian Federation reported 78 cases of CHF. Decrease in the incidence of CHF occurred in the Volgograd Region, Stavropol Territory, Astrakhan Region, Republic of Kalmykia, and Rostov Region. For the first time since 1967, CHF case has been identified in Crimea Republic. It is expected that the level of epizootic activity of CHF natural focus in Russia in 2018 will be at least equal to 2017. In case of favorable for Ixodidae ticks weather and climate conditions of the winter 2017–2018, as well as untimely acaricidal treatments, the number of Ixodidae ticks may increase, which along with the high scale of CCHF virus infection in ticks, will contribute to the increase in CHF incidence.

In contrast to animals, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) causes a severe disease in humans with a high mortality rate. The etiological agent, CCHF virus (CCHFV), can be transmitted by argasid and ixodid ticks, but arachnids of the genus Hyalomma, followed by Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor serve as the major vectors of this virus. The goal of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of CCHFV infection in cattle in south-east Poland, and survey for potential tick vector species. A total of 592 bovine blood samples from animals located in the southernmost region in Poland were tested by IgG sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ticks (n = 993) from south-east Poland were collected from dogs, cats, cattle, and horses and tested by RT-PCR. All 592 serum samples were negative for IgG antibodies to CCHFV. Of the ticks collected, 125 were Dermacentor reticulatus and 868 represented Ixodes ricinus, both species are regarded as potential vectors of CCHFV. All tick samples were negative for the presence of CCHFV. Considering the zoonotic nature, public health importance, and the virus increasing spread, it was prudent to assess the seroprevalence of CCHFV in the south-east area of Poland, bordering with CCHFV endemic areas. It seems unlikely that CCHFV infection will suddenly spread in Poland, but considering the multiple possibilities of the virus introduction, serosurveys and vector biosurveillance should be conducted at regular intervals.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne natural focal disease with a mortality rate of approximately 50%. CCHFV is widely prevalent in Africa, southern Asia, the Middle East, and southeast Europe. CCHF outbreaks have been reported previously in Xinjiang province, China, especially in its southern region. Epidemiological surveys conducted on ticks and animals have revealed the presence of CCHFV strains in ticks, rodents, and infected individuals from cities and counties in southern Xinjiang. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Chinese CCHFV strains belong to one genotype, based on complete sequences of the S segments of its negative-stranded RNA genome. The present study reports two new CCHFV strains isolated from Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum ticks collected from Fukang City and Wujiaqu City in the northern region of Xinjiang. Viral characteristics and their evolutionary relationships were analyzed through metagenomic and reverse-transcription PCR analyses; these analyses indicated that the genotype of both strains was different from that of other Chinese strains. Furthermore, previous reports of CCHFV in Xinjiang were reviewed and phylogenetic analyses were performed. CCHFV was found to prevail in Fukang City in Junggar Basin for more than 20 years, and that Fukang City and Wujiaqu City are considered natural reservoirs of different genotypes of CCHFV strains. Our findings facilitate the understanding of CCHFV distribution in Xinjiang province and provide insights into the evolutionary relationships among Chinese CCHFV strains. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s12250-018-0020-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been reported from more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Middle East. The disease is considered endemic in Pakistan and neighboring countries like Iran and Afghanistan. Objectives This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity of CCHF virus (CCHFV) detected in Pakistan and Afghanistan based on analysis of partial S-segment sequences. Study design During 2011, one hundred samples satisfying the CCHF case definition were tested by (ELISA) and RT-PCR for detection of IgM antibodies and viral RNA, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out on partial S-segment nucleotide sequences using MEGA 5.0. Results Out of one hundred collected during 2011, 49 (49%) were positive for CCHF either by ELISA/RT-PCR or both. The mean age of the CCHFV positive cases was 30.32 years (range 18–56 years) and overall mortality rate was 20.4%. All CCHF virus isolates from this study clustered with strains previously reported from Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan within the Asia-1 genogroup. Four distinct sub-clades were found circulating within Asia-1 genogroup. Six CCHFV strains found in Pakistan and Afghanistan grouped into a new sub-clade-D. Conclusions Data from this study shows that endemic foci of CCHFV span the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan with genetically diverse variants circulating in this region. Our findings emphasize to establish a laboratory based surveillance program and devise health policy measures to control CCHF infection especially in Baluchistan.

) as framework for the production of tools for CCHF virus detection and identification in artificially contaminated samples and clinical specimens containing CCHF antigens was proven efficient.

Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) is one of the priority infections in the south of the European part of the Russian Federation. Persistently high morbidity rates are retained within the past five year term, with case fatality amounting to 4.3 % on the average. In 2014 registered were 91 CHF cases. Therewith, displayed is the analysis of epidemiological situation on CHF in the territory of Russia in 2014, consolidated are the results of epizootiological surveillance of the CHF natural focus area, represented are the findings of genetic typing of CCHF virus which circulated in Russia in 2014. Using the data on epizootiological monitoring, made has been the forecast of CHF epidemiological situation development for 2015.

Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a fatal tick-borne viral zoonosis. CCHF virus (CCHFV) has 7 distinct genotypes with a determined geographical distribution pattern. However, similar genotypes have been reported from distant geographical areas. Case Presentation: On 4 June 2016, a CCHF suspected case from Sanandaj city, Kurdistan province of Iran, was confirmed with CCHFV infection by RT-PCR test. The phylogenetic analyses showed a strain belonging to Europe-1 genotype. Conclusions: Considering the similarity of Iranian strain of Europe-1 genotype to the strains from Turkey and Russia, it could be claimed that Europe-1 genotype has introduced to Iran from European countries. However, to have a better understanding about the circulation of CCHFV Europe-1 genotype in Iran, further investigations should be performed.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an endemic tick-borne viral disease that affects both animals and humans. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of CCHF in Turkey's Van province using analysis of blood samples obtained from people living in the region. Blood specimens were taken from healthy subjects living in Van province and some of the surrounding villages between January and July 2012. Blood samples were initially tested using a CCHF virus (CCHFV) IgM IgG kit for anti-CCHFV IgG, followed by anti-CCHFV IgM determination of any IgG positive blood samples. IgM-positive specimens were re-confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). One hundred and 7 men and 261 women were included in the study. Fifty-three blood specimens (14.4%) were anti-CCHFV IgG positive, and 2 of these were anti-CCHFV IgM positive. Two blood samples with anti-CCHFV IgM seropositivity tested negative using qPCR, indicating chronic infections. Locality, sex, and a history of tick bites did not significantly affect anti-CCHFV IgG seropositivity. Although the incidence of anti-CCHFV IgG in blood specimens was 14.4%, no deaths have yet been reported in Turkey's Van province. It is imperative that clinical CCHFV tests be implemented for people at high risk of developing CCHFV-related complications.

A genetic analysis of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus circulating in Stavropol krai in 2011 was performed. A total of 14 RNA isolates from patients suffering from Crimean hemorrhagic fever were genetically typed. Genetic analysis of the CCHF virus strains based on M-segment sequences (positions 2607–2932) supports the notion that the genotype Europe 1 is circulating in Stavropol krai of Russia. In addition to the previously known lineage STV-ROS, the second lineage VLG/ROS was observed in Stavropol krai.

Highlights • The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the status of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in countries across the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO EMR). • The increasing incidence of CCHF disease in the region and its spread to new geographical areas is highlighted. • Knowledge gaps concerning the burden and circulation of CCHF virus in the WHO EMR are identified. • A strategic framework is described, which details the research and development work necessary to curb the ongoing and new threats posed by CCHF virus., Summary Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most widespread, tick-borne viral disease affecting humans. The disease is endemic in many regions, such as Africa, Asia, Eastern and Southern Europe, and Central Asia. Recently, the incidence of CCHF has increased rapidly in the countries of the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO EMR), with sporadic human cases and outbreaks of CCHF being reported from a number of countries in the region. Despite the rapidly growing incidence of the disease, there are currently no accurate data on the burden of the disease in the region due to the different surveillance systems used for CCHF in these countries. In an effort to increase our understanding of the epidemiology and risk factors for the transmission of the CCHF virus (CCHFV; a Nairovirus of the family Bunyaviridae) in the WHO EMR, and to identify the current knowledge gaps that are hindering effective control interventions, a sub-regional meeting was organized in Muscat, Oman, from December 7 to 9, 2015. This article summarizes the current knowledge of the disease in the region, identifies the knowledge gaps that present challenges for the prevention and control of CCHFV, and details a strategic framework for research and development activities that would be necessary to curb the ongoing and new threats posed by CCHFV.

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral zoonotic disease. During 1999–2011, 871 human cases of CCHF were diagnosed in Iran. A history of serologic conversion for CCHF virus was seen in 58.7% of 2,447 sheep samples, 25.0% of 1,091 cattle samples and 24.8% of 987 goat samples from different parts of Iran. Spatial analysis showed that the main foci of this disease in humans during these years were in eastern Iran (P < 0.01) and the second most common foci were in northeastern and central Iran. Two livestock foci were detected in the northeastern northwestern Iran. On the basis of the results of this study, infection likely entered Iran from eastern and western neighboring countries.

Turkey has been one of the most endemic regions since 2002, when Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever emerged worldwide. The aim of the present study was to estimate the seroprevelance of CCHF virus in humans who reside in rural and urban areas of known endemic and nonendemic selected provinces of Turkey by using commercial ELISA kit. CCHFV IgG antibodies were detected in 2.3% of the population. The most important risk factors for CCHF seropositivity, were older age, male gender, illiterate, farmer, animal husbandry, living in rural residence in adobe houses, and a previous tick bite history. J. Med. Virol. 86:306–314, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The most accepted view to explaining the pathogenesis of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endothelial damage. This study was conducted in a University hospital to investigate the serum levels and prognostic significance of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 receptor (sVEGFR-1) in CCHF. Forty-eight consecutive hospitalized CCHF patients (grouped into severe illness and non-severe illness) and 40 healthy adults, as controls were enrolled. There was statistically significant difference for each of VEGF (P = 0.003), and sVEGFR1 (P = 0.0001) between the patients and controls. VEGF and sVEGFR1 levels in patients with severe CCHF were found to be higher than in the control group (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). A significant difference was found in VEGF (P = 0.003) and sVEGFR1 (P = 0.0001) levels when compared to patients with CCHF who died and who recovered. In patients in the group with severe illness, the sensitivity, specificity, and the area underneath the ROC curve (AUROC) belonging to those cut-off points of VEGF and sVEGFR1 were 66.7%, 76.2%, 0.747, and 77.8%, 81%, 0.849, respectively. In non-survivors, the sensitivity, specificity, and the AUROC belonging to those cut-off points of VEGF and sVEGFR1 defined as 77.8%, 76.9%, 0.813, and 88.9%, 97.4%, 0.912, respectively. In conclusion, high sensitivity, specificity, and the AUROC values were found in sVEGFR1 levels especially in the severely ill and non-survivors. Therefore, sVEGFR1 may be an important biomarker for determining the risk of severity and death as result of infection with CCHF virus. J Med. Virol. 85:1794–1801, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

WOS: 000327912900006, PubMed ID: 24270136, The aim of the present study was to evaluate renal involvement in children with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Forty-four children infected with CCHF virus and 30 controls were enrolled in the study. Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) and urine protein levels were measured in the patient and control groups. Clinical and laboratory findings of the patient and control groups were compared. uNGAL levels were higher in the patient group than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Of the 44 patients, 26 (59.1%) were proteinuric. uNGAL levels in proteinuric patients were higher than those in non-proteinuric patients (P = 0.035). There was a positive correlation between uNGAL and urine protein levels in the patient group. (R = 0.614, P < 0.001). Due to renal involvement, increased proteinuria and increased uNGAL levels were observed in children with CCHF. In these children, measuring urine total protein and uNGAL levels can be useful to monitor renal involvement due to CCHF.

In countries from which Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is absent, the causative virus CCHF virus (CCHFV) is classified as a hazard group 4 agent and handled in containment level 4. In contrast, most endemic countries out of necessity have had to perform diagnostic tests under biosafety level (BSL) -2 or -3 conditions. In particular, Turkey and several of the Balkan countries have safely processed more than 100000 samples over many years in BSL-2 laboratories. It is therefore advocated that biosafety requirements for CCHF diagnostic procedures should be revised, to allow the required tests to be performed under enhanced BSL-2 conditions with appropriate biosafety laboratory equipment and personal protective equipment used according to standardized protocols in the affected countries. Downgrading of CCHFV research work from Cl-4, BSL-4 to Cl-3, BSL-3 should also be considered. ispartof: Journal of General Virology vol:97 issue:11 pages:2799-2808 ispartof: location:England status: published

Crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) once again re-emerged in Pakistan. In July 2016, 2 CCHF cases were reported from Lodhran and Bahawalpur districts of Pakistan. Later on the CCHF virus was also reported from other region of the country including Balochistan, Karachi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Till 22 August 2016, a total of 20 deaths were reported of which 12 from Balochistan, 5 from Karachi, 2 from Bahawalpur and 1 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Precautionary measurements and awareness is necessary to protect the normal individuals away from this fatal disease. The media, health department and government need to play their active role to stop the spread of CCHF in the country.

WOS: 000383889400006, Ticks are obligatory blood-sucking ectoparasites and known as the vectors of many deadly diseases. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus is an important tick-borne virus in the family Bunyaviridae, genus Nairovirus. In our study, the total of 228 mature ticks were collected from farm animals in the region of Kutahya and the identifications of these species were made in the laboratory. A total of six species belong to Hyalomma marginatum, Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus were identified. 88 pools were consisted accordance with these species and genders. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Nested-PCR were used in order to identify the virus and to determine the S segment sequence of the virus from the pools. The presence of CCHF virus was only detected in 10 pools consisted from H. marginatum. As a result of the phylogenetic analysis of the positive isolates, it was determined that CCHF viruses isolated in this study clustered together with the strains predetermined in Southwestern Russia, Kosovo and Turkey.