Bunyavirus

Citation

Mirazimi A, Weidmann M, Abad FX, Paweska JT & Klingstrom J (2012) Bunyavirus. In: Elschner M, Cutler S, Weidmann M & Butaye P (eds.) BSL3 and BSL4 Agents: Epidemiology, Microbiology, and Practical Guidelines. Weinham, Germany: Wiley-Blackwell, pp. 350-360. http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-3527317155.html

Abstract
Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a member of the nairovirus genus. CCHFV is the etiological agent of a human disease characterized by fever, severe haemorrhage and death. The infection is enzootic, but mainly asymptomatic in many species. CCHFV is known to be widely distributed throughout large areas of the world. Over the past several years, we have experienced an increase in large outbreaks of CCHFV in several European countries and neighbouring areas. The virus is transmitted to humans through Ixodid (Hyalomma genus) tick bites or contact with blood or infected animal/human tissues. This disease poses a great threat to public health because of its high mortality rate, modes of transmission, and geographical distribution. Climate changes and observation of the CCHFV vector in central Europe alarm the European community that we cannot exclude that future outbreak will take place in nonendemic areas of Europe. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) are two severe and often lethal zoonotic diseases caused by rodent-borne hantaviruses. Currently, no safe approved therapeutics or vaccines are available for HFRS/HCPS.

Keywords
crimean congo hemorrhagic fever virus; BSL-4; zoonotic; ticks; hantavirus; zoonotic virus