Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus: emerging novel phlebovirus and their control strategy

Abstract

An emerging infectious disease first identified in central China in 2009, severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) was found to be caused by a novel phlebovirus. Since SFTSV was first identified, epidemics have occurred in several East Asian countries. With the escalating incidence of SFTS and the rapid, worldwide spread of SFTSV vector, it is clear this virus has pandemic potential and presents an impending global public health threat. In this review, we concisely summarize the latest findings regarding SFTSV, including vector and virus transmission, genotype diversity and epidemiology, probable pathogenic mechanism, and clinical presentation of human SFTS. Ticks most likely transmit SFTSV to animals including humans; however, human-to-human transmission has been reported. The majority of arbovirus transmission cycle includes vertebrate hosts, and potential reservoirs include a variety of both domestic and wild animals. Reports of the seroprevalence of SFTSV in both wild and domestic animals raises the probability that domestic animals act as amplifying hosts for the virus. Major clinical manifestation of human SFTS infection is high fever, thrombocytopenia, leukocytopenia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and a high case-fatality rate. Several animal models were developed to further understand the pathogenesis of the virus and aid in the discovery of therapeutics and preventive measures.

Nationwide Temporal and Geographical Distribution of Tick Populations and Phylogenetic Analysis of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Ticks in Korea, 2020

“…Geographical differences in tick distribution may be affected by environmental and ecological factors. The mechanisms underlying the increase in SFTS prevalence remain uncertain, but the spread of emerging zoonotic viruses are normally attributed to mechanisms such as increased contact between human and wildlife populations and the geographical spread of arthropod vectors or their vertebrate hosts outside of endemic areas [ 15 ]. Tick incidence differed by both geographical area and collection period, with the most prevalent being the Jinju region in April (30.3%), the Dangjin region in July (36.3%), the Samcheok region in August (32.2%), the Ulju region in October (46.3%), and the Jeju region in November (61%).…”

“…As the detection of SFTSV in a tick species does not prove the capacity of the tick species to act as a competent vector, additional research is needed to establish whether any of these other species are SFTS vectors. Furthermore, the infection and transmission capacity of the SFTSV is determined by the ability of the tick species to sufficiently amplify and spread the virus to humans and animals [ 15 ].…”

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome with Necrotizing Lymphadenitis in a Patient who Underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT: A Case Report

“…Severe fever with thrombocytopenia-causing phlebovirus has been officially named Dabie bandavirus and belongs to the genus bandavirus, family Phenuiviridae, and order bunyavirales [ 1 , 2 ]. This virus is also known as the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV).…”

“…This virus is also known as the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV). Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an endemic tick-borne disease in China, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. SFTS is caused by SFTSV and is most often transmitted by tick-bites ( Haemaphysalis longicornis or Amblyomma testudinarium ) [ 1 ]; person-to-person transmission can occur through blood or body fluids of an infected person [ 2 ].…”

“…Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an endemic tick-borne disease in China, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. SFTS is caused by SFTSV and is most often transmitted by tick-bites ( Haemaphysalis longicornis or Amblyomma testudinarium ) [ 1 ]; person-to-person transmission can occur through blood or body fluids of an infected person [ 2 ]. Since SFTS can be accompanied by lymphadenopathy, particularly generalized lymphadenopathy, it can be confused with a primary malignancy, such as lymphoma.…”