Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
Online ISSN : 1884-2836
Print ISSN : 1344-6304
ISSN-L : 1344-6304
Original Article
Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Turkey's Van Province
Yasemin BayramMehmet ParlakAyşe ÖzkaçmazAytekin ÇıkmanHüseyin GüdücüoǧluSelçuk KılıçMustafa BerktaşCenk A. Andac
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2017 Volume 70 Issue 1 Pages 65-68

Details
Abstract

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.

Content from these authors
© Authors
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top