Investigating the effect of ribavirin treatment on genetic mutations in Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) through next‐generation sequencing

Abstract

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most widespread tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever affecting humans, and yet a licensed drug against the virus (CCHFV) is still not available. While several studies have suggested the efficacy of ribavirin against CCHFV, current literature remains inconclusive. In this study, we have utilised next-generation sequencing to investigate the mutagenic effect of ribavirin on the CCHFV genome during clinical disease. Samples collected from CCHF patients receiving ribavirin treatment or supportive care only at Sivas

Quantification of heterogeneity in human CD8+T cell responses to vaccine antigens: an HLA-guided perspective

“…We would like to apply our methods to other pathogens of public health relevance such as Lassa virus and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, with the viral sequences provided in Refs. [47, 48] Another avenue we have failed to explore is that of immune evasion and the role of MHC-restriction [17] in eliciting HLA-mediated selective pressure [11, 12, 13]. We plan to make use of the computational methods developed by Hertz et al .…”

“…We would like to apply our methods to other pathogens of public health relevance such as Lassa virus and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, with the viral sequences provided in Refs. [47,48] Another avenue we have failed to explore is that of immune evasion and the role of MHC-restriction [17] in eliciting HLA-mediated selective pressure [11,12,13]. We plan to make use of the computational methods developed by Hertz et al [17] and the approaches adopted here to quantify the potential of a vaccine protein to exert immune pressure and drive viral evolution in different human populations, as well as to identify HLA generalists and specialists [29].…”

Recent Advances in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Detection, Treatment, and Vaccination: Overview of Current Status and Challenges

“…This suggests that ribavirin, when given at the recommended dosage by the WHO during the first stages of CCHFV infection, does not have the potential to cause fatal mutagenesis. Fatal mutagenesis refers to the process of inducing mutations that would lead to the complete elimination of the CCHFV population and a decrease in the amount of virus in the bloodstream [169]. The efficacy of alternative therapies, such as Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), steroids, CCHF hyperimmune globulin, and CCHF mAbs, is still a topic of discussion [170].…”