Epidemiological Characteristics and Clinical Features of Patients With Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Bunyavirus Infection

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features and prognosis of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus (SFTSV) infection. MethodsThe data of 23 patients with SFTSV infection from June 2012 to July 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsAmong the 23 patients, 10 (43.5%) were male and 13 (56.5%) were female. The mean age was 58.9 ±12.1 years old. In total, 19 patients (82.6%) were farmers, and 21 cases (91.3%) occurred during the spring and summer season, especially in May and June. There were 5 cases (21.7%) with a clear history of tick bites and 2 cases (8.7%) with close contact with the patient who was feverish due to thrombocytopenia syndrome. Seventeen (73.9%) patients came from the mountainous area of southern Anhui Province. All patients had fever and thrombocytopenia. Most patients had leukocytopenia; proteinuria; urine occult blood; elevated liver enzymes; increased creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer levels; muscle soreness and clinical haemorrhage. One patient even displayed a local haematoma on the abdominal wall. Some patients had low albumin, elevated serum amylase and increased lipase. After active supportive treatment, 5 patients (21.7%) were cured, 14 patients (60.9%) were improved, 2 patients (8.7%) were discharged without recovery and 2 patients (8.7%) died of multiple organ failure. ConclusionsSFTSV infection has specific epidemiological and clinical characteristics. The disease can involve multiple organs, and its mortality rate is relatively high. Therefore, we should pay more attention to the disease to promote the early detection, timely diagnosis and accurate treatment.