New Tick-Borne Virus Identified in China

Researchers monitoring sentinel hospitals in China have uncovered a previously unknown virus transmitted by ticks. The breakthrough study detailing the discovery was published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

For years, over 30% of Asian patients exhibiting symptoms of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) - a tick-borne illness with a mortality rate ranging from 10% to 30% - tested negative for its primary pathogen, Dabie bandavirus (DBV). This prompted scientists to search for alternative viral agents causing similar clinical presentations.

By performing metatranscriptomic sequencing and virological analysis on samples from 3,163 patients who developed fevers following tick bites, researchers isolated a novel orthonairovirus designated as Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV). The virus was confirmed in 10.4% of the screened individuals.

Investigations established Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks as the principal vector. Experimental models demonstrated that these ticks can transmit ALTNV transovarially to their offspring and successfully pass it to animals and humans.

Among 56 patients infected solely with ALTNV, common symptoms included fever, severe fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, low platelet counts, and elevated liver enzymes. All individuals in this group recovered fully without lasting complications.

However, co-infections presented far greater risks. An analysis of 38 patients contracted with both ALTNV and DBV revealed significantly higher rates of respiratory distress, renal dysfunction, and an 18.4% fatality rate compared to those infected with DBV alone.

Scientists emphasize that the identification of ALTNV necessitates a thorough reassessment of tick-borne disease diagnostics and prevention strategies across Asia.