Recent advances in research on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an expanding tick-borne hemorrhagic disease with increasing human and animal health impact. Immense knowledge was gained over the past 10 years mainly due to advances in molecular biology, but also driven by an increased global interest in CCHFV as an emerging/re-emerging zoonotic pathogen. In the present article we discuss the advances in research with focus on CCHF ecology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment. Despite tremendous achievements, future activities have to concentrate on the development of vaccines and antivirals/therapeutics to combat CCHF. Vector studies need to continue for better public and animal health preparedness and response. We conclude with a roadmap for future research priorities.

Trends in tick population dynamics and pathogen transmission in emerging tick-borne pathogens in Europe: an introduction

“…Even though in the last decade immense progress has been made on knowledge of the biology of the virus, the clinical aspects of the disease, and the establishment of rapid and sensitive diagnostics, there are still many gaps to be filled (Papa et al 2015). One of these is the lacking knowledge of the exact distribution of CCHFV in Southeastern Europe, and this is partly a result of a lack of proper tests.…”

“…Much crucial information on the eco-epidemiology of CCHFV is not yet available, but considerable progress has been made (Papa et al 2015), also within the framework of EDENext, where much emphasis was put on getting more insight in the public health aspects of the disease (Mertens et al 2013(Mertens et al , 2015. Furthermore, a model for CCHFV has been developed and presented in this issue (Hoch et al 2016).…”

“…For CCHFV, a 10-year research roadmap has already been sketched in a recent review (Papa et al 2015), highlighting the need for a better understanding of the vector-virus interaction, the impact of infection on livestock and other animals, the role of various host species in disease transmission, and the development of vaccines and treatment strategies for humans and animals. Priority future goals were identified, including the study on CCHFV dynamics in reservoirs and vectors, the study of the role of birds, climate change and reservoir/host abundance for the distribution of ticks and the establishment of new CCHFV endemic areas, the creation of an epidemiological predictive risk map and the development of countermeasures such as vaccines and treatment options.…”

The Importance of Supportive Care with Tranexamic Acid in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever

“…The virus is endemic in Asia, Africa and some European countries parallel to the distribution of Hyalomma sp. ticks [2]. The disease it causes proceeds with fever and hemorrhages.…”

Fiber-Optic Immunosensor for Detection of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever IgG Antibodies in Patients

“…Quick diagnostics provide the basis for the implementation of proper infection control measures and patient management [2][3][4] . Currently the diagnostics of acute CCHF relies mainly on the detection of viral RNA with Real-Time RT-PCR.…”