Atkinson, B and Hewson, R
Emerging arboviruses of clinical importance in Central Asia
J. Gen Virol. 2018; 99: 1172-1184

Central Asia is a region of the world comprising five countries, that were republics within the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This area encompasses several climatic, ecological and geographic niches, resulting in a diverse range of arthropod species and mammalian hosts. In this review article, the authors report historical and recent studies available in English regarding arboviruses across Central Asia and specify the circulation of viruses and/or human diseases not only to the five countries, but to a total of 47 districts (oblasts). Among the viruses discussed are: California encephalitis viruses, Isfahan virus, Issyk-Kul virus, Tamdy virus, sandfly viruses, Syr-Darya valley fever virus and Sindbis virus.

Some tick transmitted flaviviruses are also discussed. The Karshi virus was first isolated in Uzbekistan in 1972 from Ornithodoros papillipes and has been associated with human outbreaks in Uzbekistan. The Powassan virus may have established in Kyrgyzstan. TBE virus could have been isolated from humans and several animals in Kazakhstan and about 50 clinical cases are yearly reported in Kazakhstan. The TBE virus was also isolated from ticks in Kyrgyzstan and reports confirm human cases in this country. In Turkmenistan, seropositivity in humans and animals have been reported.

West Nile virus (transmitted by mosquitos) has been reported in Central Asia, however there is little evidence of human cases.

The importance of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), transmitted by some tick species, remains debatable in Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.

In summary, CCHF virus, TBE virus and WN virus are likely to be endemic across large areas of Central Asia. Information regarding the arboviruses circulating in Central Asia is also of importance from a global perspective due to increased travel to this region. Research into arboviruses in Central Asia was well established during the days of the former Soviet Union but ceased upon the breakdown of the Soviet Union.

TBE Book