An antigenic investigation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in hard ticks from provinces in northern Turkey

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus threatens human health. Exposure of the infected tick is a strong risk factor for human disease. In this study, the hard ticks collected from a variety of mammalian species (cattle, sheep, goat, and buffalo) and a turtle in either coastal or inland Black Sea region of Turkey were surveyed for the presence of antigen from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). CCHFV antigen was found in 46 of 421 tick pools (10.92%). Positivity rates for the provinces varied and were as follows: Samsun 33.87%, Ordu 4.34%, Giresun 8.86%, Sinop 6.09%, Amasya 7.40%, Tokat 5.08%, and Sivas 8.06%. CCHFV antigen was detected in seven of 11 tick species tested. These results suggest that these hard ticks may act as a reservoir for CCHFV in northern Turkey.