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Molecular epidemiology of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Bulgaria--An update

Anna Papa1, Styliani Pappa1, Elitsa Panayotova2

  • 1Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Journal of Medical Virology
|October 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Bulgaria shows a slow evolution of the "Europe 1" clade virus. This understanding is crucial for public health and vaccine development against CCHF.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an endemic zoonotic disease in Bulgaria.
  • Recent years (2013-2014) saw 11 confirmed CCHF cases, indicating ongoing transmission.
  • Established endemic foci appear to be the most active environments for the virus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular epidemiology of CCHF in Bulgaria.
  • To analyze the genetic diversity and evolution of the CCHF virus (CCHFV) in the region.
  • To provide insights for public health strategies and vaccine design.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of all available S, M, and L RNA segment nucleotide sequences of CCHFV from 1978-2014.
  • Phylogenetic analysis to determine the genetic relationship and evolutionary patterns of CCHFV strains.
  • Comparison of genetic differences among CCHFV sequences.

Main Results:

  • A low genetic difference (0-6%) was observed among Bulgarian CCHFV sequences, particularly in the M RNA segment.
  • The findings suggest the presence of a slow-evolving CCHFV strain belonging to the "Europe 1" clade.
  • Despite emergence in new areas, the virus remains most active in established endemic regions.

Conclusions:

  • Bulgaria harbors a genetically stable CCHF virus strain within the "Europe 1" clade.
  • Understanding CCHF epidemiology and virus evolution is essential for effective control measures.
  • This research supports the development of targeted public health interventions and CCHF vaccines.

Keywords:
BulgariaCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fevermolecular epidemiology

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