Epidemiological survey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in Yunnan, China, 2008

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) infection in Yunnan Province, China.

Materials and methods: One thousand six hundred and fifty-seven human serum samples and 1280 ticks (Hyalomma asiaticum) were collected from five counties (Menglian, Menghai, Lancang, Mengla, and Ximeng). Serum samples were analyzed independently by indirect immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting to detected CCHFV antibody. The ticks were examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect virus RNA.

Results: The CCHFV IgG positivity was 3.4% (57/1657). A multivariate analysis was performed, and variables that increased the chance of infection were found to include history of tick bite or contact (odds ratio (OR) 16.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.5-37.0) and age>30 years (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.6-28.2). The RT-PCR positive rate for ticks was 14.3% (6/42).

Conclusions: The five counties (Menglian, Menghai, Lancang, Mengla, and Ximeng) in Yunnan are areas with the potential for CCHF outbreaks. Residents should protect themselves against tick bites and the surveillance of CCHFV in this region should be improved.