The seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever among inhabitants living in the endemic regions of Western Anatolia

Abstract

Background: In Turkey, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is seen particularly in the north-eastern part of Anatolia. Aydin was thought to be a non-endemic area, however the first case was reported from Aydin in 2006 and a total of 39 cases were reported between 2006 and 2010. Methods: Four hundred and twenty-nine volunteers from 3 endemic regions of Aydin were enrolled in this study. We determined the IgG seropositivity against the virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: IgG seropositivity in the study group was found to be 19.6% (n = 84). Chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis was performed and a significant relationship between IgG seropositivity and tick-bite was found. The IgG seropositivity rate was 13% in cases without a history of tick-bite, while it was 41.1% in those with a tick-bite history (p < 0.001). In cases without a history of tick-bite (n = 339), the most important factor related to seropositivity was cattle-dealing. The seropositivity rate was higher in women than in men in the group dealing with cattle without a history of tick-bite (p = 0.013). In cases with a tick-bite history, the most important factor related to IgG seropositivity was age; the rate was 81% in cases younger than 34 y old, while it was 29% in cases older than 34 y. Conclusions: This study indicates that people suffering from the disease did not ask for any professional healthcare or that the healthcare providers could not diagnose these cases.

Keywords::

• Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
• IgG seropositivity

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr Ayşe Şadiye Sert and Dr Çetin Turan from Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, for their collaboration in organizing the collection of the serum samples. The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine (23/09/2008, 12-16). The project was supported by Adnan Menderes University Scientific Research Office (number TPF-09024).

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.