Abstract:
We described a series of imported cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in
Istanbul and investigated the genetic diversity of the virus. All the suspected cases of CCHF, who
were applied to the health centers in Istanbul, were screened for CCHF virus (CCHFv) infection
by using semi-nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) following RT-PCR. Simultaneous blood
samples were also sent to the national reference laboratory in Ankara for serologic investigation.
In 10 out of 91 patients, CCHFv was detected by PCR, and among 9 out of 10, anti-CCHFv IgM
antibodies were also positive. Clinical features were characterized by fever, myalgia, and
hemorrhage. The levels of liver enzymes, creatinine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase
were elevated, and bleeding markers were prolonged. All the cases were treated with ribavirin.
There was no fatal case. All the strains clustered within the same group as other Europe/Turkey
isolates.
