Reverse Transcription PCR-Based Detection of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Isolated from Ticks of Domestic Ruminants in Kurdistan Province of Iran

Abstract

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal viral vector-borne zoonosis which has a mortality rate of up to 30% without treatment in humans. CCHF virus is transmitted to humans by ticks, predominantly from the Hyalomma genus. Following the report of two confirmed and one suspected death due to CCHF virus in Kurdistan province of Iran in 2007, this study was undertaken to determine the fauna of hard ticks on domestic ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) and their possible infection with CCHF virus using reverse transcription PCR technique. This is the first detection of CCHF virus in ticks from the Kurdistan province of Iran. Overall, 414 ixodid ticks were collected from two districts in this province. They represented four genera from which 10 separate species were identified. The Hyalomma genus was the most abundant tick genus (70%). It was the only genus shown to be infected with the CCHF virus using RT-PCR technique. The number of ticks positive for CCHF virus was 5 out of 90 (5.6%) adult ticks. The three remaining genera (Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, and Dermacentor) were all negative following molecular survey. Four of the five virally-infected ticks were from cattle mainly in the Sanandaj district. We concluded that CCHF virus is present in the Hyalomma ticks on domestic ruminants (cattle) in Kurdistan province of Iran.

Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever in Iran

“…No Ornithodoros ticks were positive. In another study of ixodid ticks recovered from sheep, goats and cattle in the Sanandaj and Kamiaran districts of Kurdistan, 70% were members of the Hyalomma genus (Fakoorziba et al, 2012). Of 90 adult ticks tested by RT-PCR, 5 Hyalomma ticks were positive for CCHFV.…”

Molecular Detection of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Ticks in Qom Province, Iran, 2011-2012

“…On the other hand, the species Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor marginatus were not found to be infected (8). Likewise, in the studies conducted in Kurdistan, the CCHFV infection test was positive solely for the genus Hyalomma whereas the other genera Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, and Dermacentor were not infected (9). Concerning other species, Rhipicephalus sp.…”

“…Clinical features usually include a rapid progression characterized by hemorrhage, myalgia and fever, with a lethality rate up to C 30%. Numerous studies have been conducted on the CCHFV infection since 2000 and variant virus infection was found in deferent species of ricks in Iran (2,(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). So far, however, no study has been done in the Qom Province in this regard.…”

Antiulcer Activity after Oral Administration of the Wormwood Ethanol Extract on Lesions due to <I>Leishmania major</I> Parasites in BALB/C Mice

“…Cutaneous leishmaniasis mostly caused by the intracellular Leishmania major amastigote parasites remains a formidable therapeutic challenge and a serious public health concern in most tropical countries, including Iran 2,3 , though occasionally other infectious and noninfectious diseases could also be superimposed 13,18,29 . Although the pentavalent antimony compounds such as sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam®; Glaxco Wellcome, UK) and meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®; Aventis, France) are the first-line drugs used in the treatment of all forms of leishmaniases, the report of cases of resistance to these drugs and the fact that they have to be administered parenterally represent the main hurdles for the chemotherapy of leishmaniases 11 .…”