Microbiological surveillance: viral haemorrhagic fevers in the Central African Republic; updated serological data for human beings

An investigation was conducted between 1994 and 1997 in forested areas of t he Central African Republic (CAR) to determine the seroprevalence of IgG an tibodies against several haemorrhagic fever viruses present in the region. Sera were obtained from 1762 individuals in two groups (Pygmy and Bantu loc uted populations) living in 4 forested areas in the south of the country. S era were tested for IgG antibodies against Ebola, Marburg, Rift Valley feve r (RVF), Yellow fever (YF) and Hantaviruses by enzyme immunoassay (EIA), an d against Lassa virus by immunofluorescent assay. The prevalence of IgG ant ibodies was 5.9% for Ebola, 2% for Marburg, 5.9% pour RVF 6.5% for YF 2% fo r Hantaan. No antibodies were detected against Lassa, Seoul Puumala and Tho ttapalayam viruses. No IgM antibodies were detected against RVF and YF viru ses. The distribution of antibodies appears to be related to tropical rain forest areas. This study indicates that several haemorrhagic fever viruses are endemic in forested areas of the CAR and could emerge due to environmen tal modification.