Serological Prevalence of Crimean–Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infection in Small Ruminants and Cattle in The Gambia

Abstract

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a widely distributed tickborne zoonotic agent that infects a variety of host species. There is a lack of information on the true geographic distribution of the prevalence and risk of CCHFV in West Africa. A countrywide cross-sectional study involving 1413 extensively managed indigenous small ruminants and cattle at livestock sales markets and in village herds, respectively, was carried out in The Gambia. In sheep, an overall anti-CCHFV antibody prevalence of 18.9% (95% CI: 15.5–22.8%), goats 9.0% (95% CI: 6.7–11.7%), and cattle 59.9% (95% CI: 54.9–64.7%) was detected. Significant variation (p < 0.05) in the prevalence of anti-CCHFV antibodies at sites in the five administrative regions (sheep: 4.8–25.9%; goats: 1.8–17.1%) and three agroecological zones (sheep: 8.9–32.9%; goats: 4.1–18.0%) was also observed. Comparatively, higher anti-CCHFV antibody prevalence was detected in cattle (33.3–84.0%) compared to small ruminants (1.8–8.1%). This study represents the first countrywide investigation of the seroprevalence of CCHFV in The Gambia, and the results suggest potential circulation and endemicity of the virus in the country. These data provide critical information vital to the development of informed policies for the surveillance, diagnosis, and control of CCFHV infection in The Gambia and the region.

Epidemiologic Survey of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Suids, Spain

“…Previous studies found a higher proportion of female than male wild boar infested by ticks, possibly caused by behavioral differences (37). Similarly, other studies have found a higher proportion of CCHFV-seropositive female cattle (38,39). However, statistically significant differences in CCHFV seropositivity between sexes had not previously been found in the limited serosurveys carried out in wild boar.…”

Investigating Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever virus seropositivity in camels and human behavioural risks in an abattoir in Nigeria

“…CCHF is caused by the CCHF virus (CCHFV), a member of the genus Orthonairovirus and family Nairoviridae [ 7 ]. Human infections arise from tick bites or direct contact with infected animals or animal products and present with symptoms ranging from fever, headaches, nausea, and myalgia to severe systemic haemorrhagic fever, with a case fatality rate of up to 40% [ 8 ]. The virus circulates in an enzootic tick–vertebrate–tick cycle involving various domestic animals and wildlife.…”