DTRA project "Molecular Virological Research in Georgia" (1439)


Purpose and objectives:

A) Objective: to determine the seroprevalence of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and hantaviruses in febrile patients (coordination with GG-21);
• Identify and characterize strains of hemorrhagic fever virus Hannataviruses and Crimea-Congo by molecular methods;
• Organization of active surveillance of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and hantaviruses in small rodents and ticks in the environment (agreed with GG-19);
• To characterize and study the genetic diversity of the Crimean-Congolese hemorrhagic fever virus and hantavirus strains found in rodents and ticks.
     B) Ways to implement the project: serological examination of febrile patients with Crimean-Congolese hemorrhagic fever and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome;
• Collection of rodents and ectoparasites through field work;
• Training of laboratory staff in molecular methods of identification of hantaviruses and Crimean-Congolese hemorrhagic fever virus;
• identification and characterization of strains of hemorrhagic fever virus Hannataviruses and Crimean Congo by molecular methods from collected bodies of rodents and ectoparasites;
• Identify different types of ticks using DNA barcoding;
• Collection and analysis of laboratory and epidemiological data.
    C) Expected results. The seroprevalence of Crimean-Congolese hemorrhagic fever and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome will be studied in febrile patients.;
• strains of hematopoietic fever virus Mnatavirus and Crimea-Congo will be identified by molecular methods;
• identify strains of identified hantaviruses and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus;
• Recommendations will be developed.



Implementation dates: 08/16/17-08/15/21

Budget: $612,614

The person responsible for the implementation of the project: Giorgi Chakhunashvili