Ecological and Epidemiological Investigation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Azerbaijan
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic, acute tick-borne disease caused by CCHF virus. CCHFV is highly pathogenic, easily transmissible and has a high case fatality rate of 10–40%. Understanding the ecological requisites and spatial distribution of CCHF can aid in the identification of risk factors that drive pathogen dispersal, environmental maintenance, and potential disease outbreaks. Previous data indicate the presence of CCHFV in ticks, humans and animals in Azerbaijan, however knowledge of the distribution and ecological drivers of CCHFV in Azerbaijan is fragmentary. We hypothesize that prevalence and distribution of CCHFV in Azerbaijan is correlated to both ecological niche and spatial overlap of the vector-pathogen-host system. In a One-Health approach we will characterize patterns of CCHFV circulation in Azerbaijan that yields output useful for sustainable CCHFV biosurveillance in the region. The proposed effort will complete four primary objectives: 1) perform baseline ecological surveys for CCHFV in areas with previous serological or molecular CCHFV positivity with an emphasis on integrating vector-humananimal sampling, 2) collect and analyze spatial and temporal prevalence data for CCHFV using geographic information system (GIS) mapping and ecological niche modeling, 3) identify ecological correlates and perform CCHFV risk mapping, and 4) carry out whole genome sequencing and assay validation with regional collaborators. Successful completion of the project will facilitate both better-informed and technically enhanced operational biosurveillance for CCHFV in Azerbaijan and the region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 2022
- Source ID
- HDTRA12210006
Entities
People
- Sabrina Ibrahimova
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency