THE COMPARATIVE CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ASTRAKHAN SPOTTED FEVER AND CRIMEAN HEMORRHAGIC FEVER IN THE ASTRAKHAN REGION

Objective. To comparatively characterize two vector-borne infections: Astrakhan spotted fever (ASF) and Crimean hemorrhagic fever (CHF) in the Astrakhan Region. Materials and methods. The incidence of ASF and CHF in 2000-2016 was analyzed. There were 3951 cases of ASF and 151 cases of CHF. The investigators used the data available in the primary accounting documents (Forms No. 058/y and No. 060/y) and in the schedules for epidemiological examination of the focus of an infectious disease (Registration Form No. 357/y) and results of epizootological surveys made in 11 districts of the Astrakhan Region, in the city of Astrakhan, and in the hospitals for the long-term monitoring of the foci. Results. ASF and CHF were found to share common characteristics: the same transmission mechanisms, vectors, seasonality, and the similar disease onset. The main difference between ASF and CHF was in the severity of their course: if no severe cases of the disease were detected in ASF, severe CHF was observed in 30% of cases, while there was rather often hemorrhagic syndrome (up to 90%) and other serious complications. Conclusion. The comparative clinical analysis of the course of two vector-borne infections (ASF and CHF) in the Astrakhan Region has shown that these infections share common characteristics: a vector-borne transmission route; infection of people who stay in the suburban areas and come into contact with ticks; spring and summer seasonality; and the onset of the disease. However, there are serious differences due to the fact that the CHF virus is more contagious and the disease is much more severe than ASF and is accompanied by massive internal bleeding and complications involving all organs and systems of the patient.

Astrakhan Region, Astrakhan spotted fever, Crimean hemorrhagic fever, clinical features, complications, mortality