Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever- Pakistan Perspective

National Institute of Health, Islamabad-Pakistan

Lab Methodologies used at NIHRoutine/Current Diagnosis:• ELISA

Kits used: BDSL IgM Capture ELISA• RT-PCR

Reference protocol: “Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosis and Identification of Distinct Variants of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in the United Arab Emirates. American Journal of Tropical Medicien and Hygiene, 55(2), 1996, pp. 190-196”

• Genetic Sequencing:National Institute of Health, Pakistan holds the thorough capability including infrastructure and trained personnel but deficit of resources

Discontinued methodologies:• Electron Microscopy• Inoculation in suckling mice• Fluorescent Microscopy

Phylogenetic relationship of CCHF viruses detection during 2008-Quetta-Pakistan

Outbreak

2008 PAK viruses (denoted by●) with Closest homology to: Asia Type-I

Pakistan 1976, 2001 and 2002 viruses (denoted by ) as well as with Iran, Afghanistan

Under Publication

Future Needs for CCHF Lab Diagnosis

at HIH

• No recent changes to the lab diagnostic protocols

• Need to establish a separate Core laboratory facility early service provision under improved standards

• Establishment of standard guidelines for lab diagnosis

Safety Precautions being used at NIH

• BSL-II+ Laboratory with enhanced PPE

• Separate Designated areas for sample receipt, processing and testing

• Restricted personnel access• Waste management through

Autoclaving and incineration

Thanks