title: Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in southeastern Bulgaria.
abstract: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which is endemic in Bulgaria, is caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). The seroprevalence of CCHFV in southeastern Bulgaria was examined in this study. For this purpose, a total of 751 human blood samples were collected and examined by indirect immunofluorescence assay. In addition, a questionnaire was completed for every participant. Anti-CCHFV antibodies were detected in 3.20% (24/751) of the tested sera. None of the seropositive individuals had a history of CCHF. The results indicate that the proportion of positive findings increase with age. The significant risk factors for CCHFV infection are tick bites (18.85%, 23/122), livestock breeding (6.15%, 16/260), and residing in rural areas (6.20%, 21/339).
authors.affiliation: Department of Military Epidemiology and Hygiene, Military Medical Academy.
authors.forename: Ivanka
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gergova
authors.forename: Bozhin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kamarinchev
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D002031:Bulgaria / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D003225:Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo / Q000276:immunology*; D006479:Hemorrhagic Fever, Crimean / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral