Transmission of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever to a Physician in Sudan
Author Information
Author(s): Elata Afraa T, Karsany Mubarak S, Elageb Rehab M, Hussain Marwa A, Eltom Kamal H, Elbashir Mustafa I, Aradaib Imadeldin E
Primary Institution: University of Khartoum
Hypothesis
To confirm CCHF in an index patient and attending physician in North Kordufan region, Sudan, and to provide some information on virus genetic lineages.
Conclusion
Further epidemiologic studies and improved surveillance are urgently needed to better predict and respond to CCHF outbreaks in the Kordufan region, Sudan.
Supporting Evidence
- CCHF was confirmed by monitoring specific IgM antibody and detection of the viral genome using RT-PCR.
- Treatment with oral ribavirin and fluid therapy resulted in rapid improvement of the physician's health condition.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated that both strains belong to Group III virus lineage.
Takeaway
This study shows that a doctor got sick from a virus after treating a patient with a serious illness, highlighting the need for better disease tracking.
Methodology
Antibody captured ELISA, reverse transcription PCR, and phylogenetic analysis were used to confirm CCHFV infection and determine virus genetic lineages.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in diagnosis due to reliance on clinical presentation in resource-poor settings.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential cases of CCHF due to underreporting in remote areas.
Participant Demographics
The index patient was a 60-year-old male; the attending physician was a female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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