Diagnostic Value of Non-specific Clinical and Laboratory Findings in Patients Suspected of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in an Endemic Region

Abstract

Background: We aimed to determine diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of clinical and laboratory findings in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the characteristics of patients who were suspected of CCHF. The patients were stratified into two groups as positive and negative based on results of CCHF specific IgM and viral RNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Mean age of 125 patients included (55.2% women, 44.8% men) was 47±20 years. The highest sensitivity (95%) was in myalgia. When the association of multiple findings were assessed, the highest sensitivity was found for myalgia plus transaminase elevation (Odds ratio [OR] 9.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.75-23.05; p<0.05). The highest specificity was found for myalgia plus history of husbandry plus transaminase elevation (OR 15; 95% CI 5.27-42.68; p<0.05). Conclusion: If patients have myalgia and transaminase elevation with a history of husbandry at endemic regions, CCHF should be considered.