Hidden threats: Brucellosis diagnosis and co-infection patterns in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever suspects


Öz M., Çubuk F., ÇAKIR KIYMAZ Y., Öksüz C., HASBEK M., BÜYÜKTUNA S. A., ...More

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease, vol.111, no.3, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 111 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2025.116724
  • Journal Name: Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Environment Index, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: Brucella Infections, Co-infection, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus
  • Sivas Cumhuriyet University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the frequency of brucellosis in patients with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). Method: In this study, 1231 patients were evaluated retrospectively, including 14 patients with CCHF and brucellosis coinfection and 25 patients with brucellosis alone. Statistical methods such as the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used. Result: Of the patients with a preliminary diagnosis of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), 3.2% were found to have brucellosis. In the group co-infected with brucellosis and CCHF, the time to hospital admission was shorter. Additionally, tick exposure and headache were observed more frequently in this group. Creatine kinase levels were found to be higher in the co-infected group, while lymphocyte counts and fibrinogen levels were lower compared to the group with brucellosis alone. Conclusion: Our study revealed a 3.2% rate of brucellosis in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF. Due to the similarity of symptoms and common risk factors, the differential diagnosis of brucellosis should be considered in patients diagnosed with CCHF. Additionally, the possibility of brucellosis coexisting with CCHF should always be considered. Even in patients diagnosed with CCHF, an evaluation for brucellosis must be conducted.