Current State of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Bulgaria

ABSTRACT

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne acute viral disease not uncommon in Bulgaria. It belongs to arboviral hemorrhagic fevers. In the country, the disease was first described in 1952 near the region of Stara Zagora. Then, CCHF cases were reported in several provinces: Shumen, Razgrad, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Pazardjik, Haskovo, Yambol and Burgas. In 1968 CCHFV was isolated on suckling mice from blood of two patients. Success was achieved by an inactivated vaccine against this virus prepared according to an original method, which is the only one used now. A unique theraputic scheme that is commonly practiced in the country includes anti-haemorrhagic hyperimmune immunoglobulin. For the last ten years more than 120 cases have been described. Through the years Bulgarian researchers performed different studies that concerned CCHF and their experince is presented here. This material reviews the history, molecular virology, epidemiology, ecology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, the control and prevation of CCHF in Bulgaria.

Keywords:

• Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
• Bulgaria