1 research outputs found
First evidence of CrimeanâCongo haemorrhagic fever virus circulation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract Background CrimeanâCongo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tickâborne zoonosis with reported detection of virus and/or virusâspecific antibodies from over 57 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and is endemic in the Balkans. Detection of CrimeanâCongo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) antibodies in domestic ruminants has been important in providing initial evidence of virus circulation and in localising CCHFV highârisk spots for human infection. Objectives The present study investigated the possible exposure of sheep to CCHFV in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Methods To investigate the presence of antiâCCHFV antibodies in sheep, all sera (n = 176) were tested using multiâspecies double antigen enzymeâlinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive sera were further complementary tested by adapted commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using FITCâconjugated protein G instead of antiâhuman immunoglobulins. Results CCHFV specific antibodies were detected in 17 (9.66%) animals using ELISA test. All negative sera were determined as negative by both tests, while 13 out of 17 ELISAâpositive reactors were also determined as unambiguously positive by IFA test. The age group with the highest proportion of seropositive rectors were the oldest animals. Conclusions This is the first report of antiâCCHFV antibodies in sheep from B&H providing the evidence of CCHFV circulation in the country's sheep population. So far, these findings indicate the circulation of the virus in the westernmost region of the Balkans and point to the potential CCHFV spread further out of this endemic area