Farnaz Gheisari,1,*
1. Bachelor of Microbiology of Islamic Azad University Shiraz
Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a disease transmitted by ticks that can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and it has been reported in over 30 countries. Prompt identification and isolation of individuals with suspected or confirmed CCHF, along with the implementation of suitable prevention and control measures, are crucial for preventing the spread of the disease from person to person.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the result of a virus carried by ticks, specifically a member of the Nairovirus genus in the Bunyaviridae family. Initially, the disease was noted in soldiers from the former Soviet Union stationed in Crimea during World War II, which is why it was named Crimea hemorrhagic fever..
Subsequently, scientists determined that the virus identified in Crimea was identical to the Congo virus, responsible for causing febrile illness in the Belgian Congo. As a result, the virus was designated Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV).
Methods: Current treatment for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) relies on supportive care, close monitoring of blood and clotting factors, and replacement therapy as needed. Ribavirin, typically administered orally, is also used. While antiviral and antibody-based therapies for CCHFV have shown promise in preclinical settings, their effectiveness relies on well-equipped healthcare systems capable of quickly recognizing, diagnosing, and treating CCHFV infections. These therapies may be inaccessible to patients in regions with limited healthcare resources or who present with advanced disease. Over the years, various strategies have been explored to develop effective vaccines, ranging from inactivated virus formulations to nucleotide-based options such as DNA and mRNA vaccines.
Results: Although not all susceptible livestock and wild mammals are affected by the virus, it can cause serious hemorrhagic fever in humans. At present, there is no authorized vaccine or medication specifically designed for CCHF. Prevention primarily relies on implementing biosecurity measures. Ribavirin is the sole approved drug utilized in certain countries to manage the disease in humans, although recent studies have cast doubt on its effectiveness. CCHF exhibits similar clinical characteristics to other prevention hemorrhagic fevers. Following an incubation period of less than a week, patients experience sudden onset of fever, severe headache, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, and other general symptoms.
Conclusion: Despite the widespread geographic distribution of CCHFV and the large populations at risk, our understanding of the viral and host factors contributing to CCHFV pathogenesis remains incomplete. Further investigation into the functions of viral proteins is necessary, and the development of advanced molecular virology tools and improved animal models will provide crucial insights into the mechanisms of CCHFV disease. To protect at-risk populations in endemic areas, preventative measures such as education, reducing tick exposure, treating livestock for tick infestations, livestock quarantine, and protective measures for high-risk activities must be implemented.