A non-fatal Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus infection; The balanced cytokine responses on the outcome of the clinical disease

Abstract

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a neglected tick-borne viral disease with high pathogenicity and mortality in humans. This study reports clinical, virological, and immunological findings of a non-fatal severe CCHF case with tick-bite history and active melena. Laboratory results showed thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT), and prolonged aPTT. During the first four days of illness and recovery phase, viral RNA load, anti-CCHFV IgG/IgM levels, and cytokine profiles were analyzed by RT-qPCR and EIA. This enabled assessment of key immune responses against CCHFV. The patient had a high viral load and was seropositive. A marked increase in IFN-gamma and IL-10 after day two suggests that the immune system was not only fighting the virus, but also modulating inflammation. This immune balance may contribute to recovery by lowering viral load and limiting tissue damage.