Research Project: Intervention Strategies to Prevent and Control Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)

Location: Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Evidence-based recommendations for shower-out practices: Assessing virus removal from hair using surrogate non-enveloped virus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Accoti, A., Cajimat, M., Olal, C., Hensley, K.M., Kozlovac, J.P., Bente, D. 2026. Evidence-based recommendations for shower-out practices: Assessing virus removal from hair using surrogate non-enveloped virus. American Society for Microbiology. Article e00387-26. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.00387-26.

Equine sentinels and One Health: A comprehensive serological survey of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever virus in southeastern and central Europe - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Nekudova, P., Vaclavek, P., Rusenova, N.V., Rusenov, A.G., Mihalca, A., Barbuceanu, F., Vuta, B.V., Hristescu, D.V., Modry, D., Rimoin, A.W., Zurek, L., Italiya, J. 2026. Equine sentinels and One Health: A comprehensive serological survey of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever virus in southeastern and central Europe. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 13. Article 1810641. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2026.1810641.

Development and characterization of microsatellite genetic markers for Hyalomma rufipes, a tick vector of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ahmad, H., Aool, W., Anyango, V., Nakayki, T., Mulwa, F., Chelangat, B., Lutwana, J., Kayondo, J., Cohnstaedt, L.W., Hensley, L.E., Onyango, M., Lukindo, M., Mutisay, J., Lutomiah, J., Brelsfoard, C. 2026. Development and characterization of microsatellite genetic markers for Hyalomma rufipes, a tick vector of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. Ecology and Evolution. 16. Article e73064. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73064.

Deciphering the etiology of the 2024 outbreak of undiagnosed febrile illness in Panzi, Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Wawina-Bokalanga, T., Muyembe- Tamfum, J., Makangara-Cigolo, J., Ola-Mpumbe, R., Lokilo, E., Mumba, D., Ahuka-Mundeke, S., Mbala-Kingeben, P., Nkwembe, E., Tshokana-Nkololo, A., Mwakisenda-Tshakotsh, F., Ponga-Museme, A., Delphine, M., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, E., Loman, N., Houben, S., Lumembe-Numbi, R., Kinganda-Lusamaki, E., Kular, A., Meris, M., Wilkinson, S., Colquhoun, R., Kenye, K., Akil-Bandali, P., Amuri-Aziza, A., Sganzerla Martinez, G., Kelvin, D.J., Dijkman, R., Kasita, C., Kafua-Wemba, F., Mwamba, D., Subissi, L., Peeters, M., Rimoin, A.W., Mokili, J., Lunguya-Metila, O., Rambaut, A., Liesenborghs, L., Low, N., Kindrachuk, J., Vercauteren, K., Edwards, R., Kelly, J.N. 2026. Deciphering the etiology of the 2024 outbreak of undiagnosed febrile illness in Panzi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nature Medicine. 32:1374-1382. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-026-04235-7.

Evaluating a positive reinforcement training protocol as a low-stress approach to acclimating pigs to high containment and restraint in a Panepinto sling: A pilot study - (Abstract Only)

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus localization and shedding in the reproductive tract of lethal and survivor mouse models - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sorvillo, T.E., Ritter, J.M., Welch, S.R., Davies, K.A., Coleman-McCray, J.D., Hayes, H.M., Ficarra, G., Bhatnager, J., Spiropoulou, C.F., Spengler, J.R., Pegan, S.D., Bergeron, E., Montgomery, J.M. 2025. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus localization and shedding in the reproductive tract of lethal and survivor mouse models. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 15. https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2025.2595795.

Crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever virus localization and shedding in the reproductive tract of lethal and survivor mouse models - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sorvillo, T.E., Ritter, J.M., Welch, S.R., Davies, K.A., Coleman-Mccray, J.D., Hayes, H.M., Ficarra, G., Bhatnager, J., Spiropoulou, C.F., Spengler, J.R., Pegan, S.D., Bergeron, E., Montgomery, J.M. 2025. Crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever virus localization and shedding in the reproductive tract of lethal and survivor mouse models. Emerging Microbes & Infections. 15(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2025.2595795.

Inflammation associated with monocyte/macrophage activation and recruitment corresponds with lethal outcome in a mouse model of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sorvillo, T.E., Ritter, J.M., Welch, S.R., Coleman-McCray, J.D., Davies, K.A., Hayes, H.M., Pegan, S.D., Montgomery, J.M., Spiropoulou, C.F., Spengler, J.R., Bergeron, E. 2025. Inflammation associated with monocyte/macrophage activation and recruitment corresponds with lethal outcome in a mouse model of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. 13(1). Article 2427782. https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2024.2427782.

Serologic evidence of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever virus exposure among livestock and farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Lombe, B., Merritt, S., Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, E., Kanonge, D., Tshingula, C., Munyeku-Bazitama, Y., Kajihara, M., Makiala Madanda, S., Harrigan, R., Mukadi-Kakoni, P., Hoff, N., Ahuka Mundeke, S., Takada, A., Twabela, A., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Rimoin, A.W., Halbrook, M. 2025. Serologic evidence of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever virus exposure among livestock and farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. 19(10). Article e0013648. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013648.

Durable humoral immunity and long-term protection induced by a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus replicon particle vaccine in mice - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sorvillo, T.E., Karaaslan, E., Davies, K.A., Welch, S.R., Scholte, F.E., Coleman-McCray, J.D., Aida-Ficken, V., Pegan, S.D., Spiropoulou, C.F., Spengler, J.R., Bergeron, E., Montgomery, J.M. 2025. Durable humoral immunity and long-term protection induced by a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus replicon particle vaccine in mice. NPJ Vaccines. 10. Article 244. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41541-025-01293-9.

Monkeypox virus clade IIa infections, Liberia, 2023-2024 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Nyan, D., Berry Malijovic, I., Shobayo, B., Mehta, M., Worwa, G., Hirsch, S., Klim, S., Twaeh, F., Donzo, K., Freeman, B., Corvah, A., Jaryan, F., Gilayeneh, J., Crozier, I., Renken, C., McNay, L., Moses, S.J., Kuhn, J., Zufran, S. 2025. Monkeypox virus clade IIa infections, Liberia, 2023-2024. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 31(9):1848-1851. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3109.250271.

Illegal wildlife trade in a tourism and biodiversity hotspot - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Campera, M., Chavez, J., Kuntayuni, K., Nelson, S., Payuse, N.D., Rimoin, A.W., Shepherd, C.R., Sintya, E., Sukmadewi, D.T., Widiaswari, R., Nijman, V. 2025. Illegal wildlife trade in a tourism and biodiversity hotspot. Sustainable Development. 33(6):9106-9122. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.70129.

H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b dynamics in experimentally infected calves and cows - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Halwe, N., Cool, K., Breithaupt, A., Schon, J., Trujillo, J., Nooruzzaman, M., Kwon, T., Ahrens, A., Britzke, T., Mcdowell, C.D., Piesche, R., Singh, G., Pinho Dos Reis, V., Kafle, S., Pohlmann, A., Gaudreault, N.N., Corleis, B., Matias-Ferreyra, F.S., Carossino, M., Balasuriya, U., Hensley, L.E., Morozov, I., Covaleda, L.M., Diel, D., Ulrich, L., Hoffmann, D., Beer, M., Richt, J.A. 2024. H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b dynamics in experimentally infected calves and cows. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08063-y.

Evaluation of two inoculation routes of an adenovirus-mediated viral protein inhibitor in a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever mouse model - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Scholte, F.E., Spengler, J.R., Welch, S.R., Harmon, J.R., Mccray-Coleman, J.D., Davies, K.A., Pegan, S., Montgomery, J.M., Spiropoulou, C.F., Bergeron, E. 2024. Evaluation of two inoculation routes of an adenovirus-mediated viral protein inhibitor in a crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever mouse model. Virus Research. 345. Article 199398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199398.

An atlas of gross and histologic lesions and immunohistochemical immunoreactivity during the temporal progression of aerosolized Lassa virus induced hemorrhagic fever in cynomolgus macaques - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hensley, L.E., Bohler, F., Cashman, K., Wilkinson, E., Jonson, J.C., Rosenke, K., Shamblin, J., Honko, A., Shaia, C. 2024. An atlas of gross and histologic lesions and immunohistochemical immunoreactivity during the temporal progression of aerosolized Lassa virus induced hemorrhagic fever in cynomolgus macaques. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1341891.

Genome-wide association study identifies human genetic variants associated with fatal outcome from Lassa fever - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kotliar, D., Raju, S., Tabrizi, S., Odia, I., Goba, A., Momoh, M., Sandi, J., Nari, P., Phelan, E., Tariyal, R., Eromon, P.E., Mehta, S., Robles-Sikisaka, R., Siddle, K.J., Hensley, L.E. et al. 2024. Genome-wide association study identifies human genetic variants associated with fatal outcome from Lassa fever. Nature Microbiology. 9:751-762. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01589-3.

Clade I-associated MPXV cases associated with sexual contact in Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Malembi, E., Hasivirwe, E., Lusamaki, E., Kalonji, T., Pukuta, E., Hoff, N.A., Bogoch, I., Cevik, M., Gonsalves, G., Hensley, L.E., Low, N., Shaw, S., Schillberg, E., Hunter, M., Lunyanga, L., Linsuke, S., Madinga, J., Kololo, T., Rimoin, A.W., Kindrachuk, J., Mbala-Kingebeni, P., Shongo, R. 2023. Clade I-associated MPXV cases associated with sexual contact in Kwango Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 30(1):172-176. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3001.231164.

Immunogenicity and vaccine shedding after 1 or 2 doses of rVSV¿G-ZEBOV-GP Ebola Vaccine (ERVEBO®): Results from a Phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in children and adults - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lee, A.W., Liu, K., Lhomme, E., Blie, J., Mccullough, J., Onorato, M.T., Connor, L., Simon, J.K., Dubey, S., Vanrheene, S., Deutsch, J., Owens, A., Morgan, A., Welebob, C., Hyatt, D., Nair, S., Hamze, B., Guindo, O., Sow, S.O., Beavogui, A.H., Leigh, B., Samai, M., Akoo, P., Serry-Bangura, A., Fleck, S., Secka, F., Lowe, B., Watson-Jones, D., Roy, C., Hensley, L.E., Kieh, M., Coller, B.G. 2023. Immunogenicity and vaccine shedding after 1 or 2 doses of rVSV¿G-ZEBOV-GP Ebola Vaccine (ERVEBO®): Results from a Phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in children and adults. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 78(4):870-879. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciad693.

Natural history of Ebola virus disease in rhesus monkeys shows viral variant emergence dynamics and tissue-specific host responses - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Normandin, E., Triana, S., Raju, S.S., Lan, T.C., Lagerborg, K., Rudy, M., Adams, G.C., Deruff, K.C., Logue, J., Liu, D., Strebinger, D., Rao, A., Messer, K.S., Sacks, M., Adams, R.D., Janosko, K., Kotliar, D., Shah, R., Crozier, I., Rinn, J.L., Mele, M., Honko, A.N., Zhang, F., Babadi, M., Luban, J., Bennett, R.S., Shalek, A.K., Barkas, N., Lin, A.E., Hensley, L.E., Sabeti, P.C., Siddle, K.J. 2023. Natural history of Ebola virus disease in rhesus monkeys shows viral variant emergence dynamics and tissue-specific host responses. Cell Genomics. 3(12). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100440.

MPOX (Monkeypox) and other poxviruses - (Book / Chapter)