Integrative serological and molecular survey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in livestock animals (Cow, Sheep, and Goats) in Sulaymaniyah/Iraq

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a significant tick-borne zoonotic disease in Africa, Europe, and Asia. This study aims to report the first molecular characterization and genetic diversity of CCHF in domestic animals, including cows, sheep, and goats, in three distinct geographical locations within the Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq. From September 2022 to March 2023, 450 blood samples and 600 ticks were collected from cattle, sheep, and goats in Kalar, Sharazoor and Ranya. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-tested blood samples, with ticks identified and analyzed using the same method. Ticks identified in the samples were analyzed, and ticks were identified and analyzed using a one-step Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the S fragment, followed by DNA sequencing. The partial sequence of the S fragment from tick-derived CCHF has been submitted to GenBank under accession numbers OR713752-CCHF/Kalar, OR713754-Sharazoor, and OR713753-Ranya. ELISA results indicated a slightly higher prevalence of CCHF in goats (37.7%) compared to cows (27.3%) and sheep (31.5%). Geographically, Kalar exhibited the highest prevalence rate of 34.7%, while Sharazoor showed the lowest. Sequencing and subsequent analysis of the amplified PCR S fragment PCR products revealed the presence of the Asia 2 group of CCHF in the studied area. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the three field isolates belong to Genotype IV, clustering with isolates from Iran and India (KU24234 and MN866211), with sequence identities of 94.38% and 93.60%, respectively. The findings confirm the widespread presence of the CCHF virus across different animal species and locations in Sulaymaniyah. This study also provides crucial epidemiological insights that can inform future strategies for preventing and controlling potential CCHF outbreaks.