Isolation,characterization,and phylogenic analysis of three new severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus strains derived from Hubei Province,China

Hubei Province is a major epidemic area of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus(SFTSV) in China. However, to date, a few SFTSV strains have been isolated from Hubei Province, preventing effective studies of epidemic outbreaks. Here, we report three confirmed patients(2015–2016) with typical symptoms of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome disease(SFTS) who were farmers resident in different regions in Hubei Province. Three new SFTSV strains were isolated from the serum samples of each patient. Characterization of viral growth properties showed that there were no significant differences in virus production. All strains were completely sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis showed that unlike the other strains from Hubei province, which belonged to the SFTSV C3 genotype, one of the three strains belonged to the SFTSV C2 genotype. These results suggested that multiple SFTSV genotypes have been circulating in Hubei Province, providing insights into SFTSV evolution and improving our understanding of SFTSV prevalence in Hubei Province.

Close Correlation between Development of MODS during the Initial 72h of Hospitalization and Hospital Mortality in Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

An emerging infectious disease was identified as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syn- drome （SFTS） in central China since late March 2009. We found the patients with SFTS had severe clinical symptoms, and progressed rapidly to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome （MODS） with high fatality rate of 25%-30%. The aim of this study was to assess the significance of risk factors predicting the development of MODS and death in SFTS patients. Consecutive SFTS admissions between May 2009 and September 2011 were analyzed for parameters of organ function during hospitalization using Marshall scoring system for MODS, and platelet counts were recorded on admission and at 24, 48, 72 h and one week after admission. We investigated the kinetics of organ failures and analyzed the associa- tion between age, platelet count and development of MODS or death. A total of 92 SFTS patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 32 patients with dysfunction of over 4 organs were identified, 45% of them died within 72 h, 72% died within 5 days, and 76% died within 7 days after admission. We also found cumulative Marshall score was significantly higher in death patients （11.76＋2.05） than in survival patients （4.22~1.98） （P〈0.001）. In addition, SFTS patients had older age and lower platelet counts in MODS and death groups. Furthermore, we also observed that there was a close correlation between platelet count on admission and Marshall score （P〈0.001）. High Marshall score, advanced age and lower platelet counts were the main risk factors for the development of MODS, and those factors could predict mortality in SFTS patients, suggesting prompt treatment and close monitoring of severe complications, especially MODS, are of great importance in saving patients＇ lives.

Four FDA-approved drugs exhibited inhibition effect on severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in vitro

Objective:To screen the anti-SFTSV drugs from 1430 FDA-approved drugs via mini-genome system,and to investigate which stage of the infection process could be suppressed by the identified drugs.Methods:The SFTSV mini-genome system was used to screen drugs with inhibitory effect on SFTSV replication and transcription,and the 50%inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))of each drug was calculated by drug concentration gradient inhibition experiment.Drugs were used to pre-incubate with virus and then incubate with cells,to incubate with virus and cells simultaneously,to incubate with cells after virus invading into cells,or to incubate during the whole infection process,and then qRT-PCR was used to measure the viral RNA copies in the culture supernatant.These experiments were performed to quantitatively determine the inhibition effects of drugs on SFTSV indifferent stages of the whole process including virion stability,entry and post-entry stages,so as to clarify the inhibition mechanism of these drugs.Results:Four drugs including Mycophenolate mofetil,Mycophenolic acid,Nitazoxanide,and Vidofludimus were identified having efficient inhibitory effects on SFTSV RNA replication via minigenome system,with the IC_(50) of 0.014μmol/L,0.627μmol/L,1.283μmol/L,and 0.059μmol/L,respectively.All four drugs showed effective inhibition when adding during the whole SFTSV infection process as well as the post-entry stage.Conclusion:Mycophenolate mofetil,Mycophenolic acid,Nitazoxanide and Vidofludimus show efficient anti-viral effects on SFTSV infection.

View Point on Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a new disease of zoonotic natural foci has been increasing in recent years. In this review, the disease of human granulocytic anaplasmosis infection due to tick-borne and new Bunia virus infection, have similar clinical symptoms. Total of 11 articles were retrieved. The emergence, etiology, nomenclature and pathogenic mechanisms, clinical diagnosis and genotyping of SFTS were summarized, and the current situation of treatment was also evaluated. In conclusion, early detection, identiifcation and treatment are the key points to SFTS, but how to reduce the mortality of critically ill patients is still the focus in the future.

Laboratory indicators of death in severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome:a metaanalysis and systematic review

Background:Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)is a tick-borne disease characterized by a fever-induced by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)infection.Methods:We systematically searched the literature on Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases,Sinomed Database,Wan Fang Data,and VIP Database,which describing the death characteristics SFTS(published between January 1,2009 and May 5,2021)and used STATA version 15.0 software to combine data from the selected study.Results:In the 14150 identified studies,23 were eligible and were included in our analysis.The death characteristics of SFTS are associated with old age,high viral load,high neutrophil ratio,low lymphocyte ratio,low platelet count,elevated liver enzymes,high serum potassium,and high blood urea nitrogen.Conclusions:The results of this meta-analysis can improve our knowledge of the death features of SFTS and necessitate increased attention to the above laboratory indicators to improve the understanding and therapeutic strategies of SFTS.

Hsp90βis critical for the infection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)caused by the SFTS virus(SFTSV)is an emerging disease in East Asia with a fatality rate of up to 30%.However,the viral-host interaction of SFTSV remains largely unknown.The heat-shock protein 90(Hsp90)family consists of highly conserved chaperones that fold and remodel proteins and has a broad impact on the infection of many viruses.Here,we showed that Hsp90 is an important host factor involved in SFTSV infection.Hsp90 inhibitors significantly reduced SFTSV replication,viral protein expression,and the formation of inclusion bodies consisting of nonstructural proteins(NSs).Among viral proteins,NSs appeared to be the most reduced when Hsp90 inhibitors were used,and further analysis showed that their translation was affected.Co-immunoprecipitation of NSs with four isomers of Hsp90 showed that Hsp90βspecifically interacted with them.Knockdown of Hsp90βexpression also inhibited replication of SFTSV.These results suggest that Hsp90βplays a critical role during SFTSV infection and could be a potential target for the development of drugs against SFTS.

Antiviral activity of vitamin D derivatives against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in vitro and in vivo

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)is a tick-borne virus that causes the severe fever thrombocytopenia syndrome,which manifests as fever and haemorrhage,accompanied by severe neurological complications.To date,no specific antiviral drugs have been approved for this indication.Herein,we investigated whether vitamin D derivatives inhibit SFTSV both in vitro and in vivo.An in vitro study demonstrated that vitamin D derivatives significantly suppressed viral RNA replication,plaque formation,and protein expression in a dosedependent manner.Subsequently,in vivo studies revealed that doxercalciferol and alfacalcidol were associated with increased survival and reduced viral RNA load in the blood.Time-of-addition assay suggested that vitamin D derivatives primarily acted during the post-entry phase of SFTSV infection.However,cytopathic effect protective activity was not observed in RIG-I immunodeficient cell line Huh7.5,and the administration of vitamin D derivatives did not improve the survival rates or reduce the blood viral loads in adult A129 mice.Further transcriptome exploration into the antiviral mechanism revealed that alfacalcidol stimulates host innate immunity to exert antiviral effects.To expand the application of vitamin D derivatives,in vitro and in vivo drug combination assays were performed,which highlighted the synergistic effects of vitamin D derivatives and T-705 on SFTSV.The combination of alfacalcidol and T-705 significantly enhanced the therapeutic effects in mice.This study highlights the potential of vitamin D derivatives against SFTSV and suggests that they may have synergistic effects with other compounds used in the treatment of SFTSV infection.

Time series models in prediction of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases in Shandong province,China

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Predicting the incidence of this disease in advance is crucial for policymakers to develop prevention and control strategies. In this study, we utilized historical incidence data of SFTS (2013–2020) in Shandong Province, China to establish three univariate prediction models based on two time-series forecasting algorithms Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Prophet, as well as a special type of recurrent neural network Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) algorithm. We then evaluated and compared the performance of these models. All three models demonstrated good predictive capabilities for SFTS cases, with the predicted results closely aligning with the actual cases. Among the models, the LSTM model exhibited the best fitting and prediction performance. It achieved the lowest values for mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE). The number of SFTS cases in the subsequent 5 years in this area were also generated using this model. The LSTM model, being simple and practical, provides valuable information and data for assessing the potential risk of SFTS in advance. This information is crucial for the development of early warning systems and the formulation of effective prevention and control measures for SFTS.

2010-2023年南京市发热伴血小板减少综合征流行特征和空间聚集性

目的了解南京市发热伴血小板减少综合征(SFTS)报告发病趋势和波及范围,分析空间分布模式,探测高发聚集区域和重点人群,指导制定科学防控策略和措施。方法通过“中国疾病预防控制信息系统”收集2010-2023年南京市报告SFTS病例信息,描述时间、人群和空间分布特征;利用Joinpoint回归分析报告发病率年度变化百分比(Annual percent change,APC);利用FlexScan空间扫描探测高发聚集区域。结果2010-2023年南京市报告SFTS 507例,APC为31.8%(95%CI:22.5%~41.9%,P<0.001),2023年报告发病率为1.42/10万(134例)。5-8月季节指数分别为2.7、2.1、3.0、1.3,共占76.1%。年龄中位数为66(IQR:55,73)岁,由2010-2011年的59岁,逐渐增加至2022-2023年的68岁(P<0.001),45岁及以上占94.1%;农民(63.7%)、家务及待业(14.2%)和离退人员(12.2%)共占90.1%。2010-2011年疫情波及4区11街道,2022—2023年增加至11区58街道;除2012-2013年外,全局空间自相关分析均Moran’s I>0(0.224~0.526,P<0.001),FlexScan扫描显示溧水区和江宁区的部分街道为一级聚集区域,2018-2023年浦口区4个街道为二级聚集区,2022-2023年六合区3个街道为二级聚集区,均P<0.05。结论南京市SFTS报告发病水平呈快速上升趋势,波及范围逐渐扩散,空间上呈聚集分布模式。建议加强医疗机构诊治技术和检测能力培训,强化高发地区监测、病例流调溯源和防蜱、防病知识宣教等。

济南市发热伴血小板减少综合征发病与动物接触相关性调查研究

目的探索发热伴血小板减少综合征发病与动物接触相关性分析,为防控提供参考依据。方法采用病例对照研究方法,将2019—2023年济南市发热伴血小板减少综合征确诊患者纳入病例组,按比例选择病例发病同期居住地附近的健康居民为对照组,收集相关信息,进行相关性分析。结果本研究共纳入485例确诊病例和1455例健康居民,相关因素分析显示,家中饲养动物(OR=2.146,95%CI:1.738~2.651)、饲养犬(OR=1.847,95%CI:1.468~2.324)、饲养猫(OR=1.392,95%CI:1.038~1.867)、饲养羊(OR=2.076,95%CI:1.470~2.932)、饲养家禽(OR=1.542,95%CI:1.141~2.083)、饲养兔子(OR=4.339,95%CI:2.346~8.024)、住宅内有动物圈舍(OR=1.560,95%CI:1.193~2.039)是发热伴血小板减少综合征发病的危险因素。结论饲养动物是发热伴血小板减少综合征发病的危险因素,应加强高风险人员健康教育及行为干预,来预防和控制发热伴血小板减少综合征的发病。

胱抑素C联合凝血酶原时间评估发热伴血小板减少综合征患者病情及预后

目的探讨早期胱抑素C(Cys-C)联合凝血酶原时间(PT)在发热伴血小板减少综合征(severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome,SFTS)患者病情严重程度及预后中的评估价值。方法回顾性收集2021年4月至2023年8月安徽医科大学附属巢湖医院诊治的101例SFTS患者资料,按患者病情严重程度分为普通组和重症组,按治疗结局分为生存组和死亡组。分析各组临床表现及早期实验室指标差异,采用logistic回归分析影响预后的因素,并采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估早期Cys-C水平及PT单独及联合检测对预测生存及死亡结局的效能。结果早期患者血清Cys-C、尿素氮、肌酐、尿酸、肌酸激酶、肌酸激酶同工酶水平、PT、活化部分凝血活酶时间在重症组及死亡组高于普通组及生存组,而淋巴细胞计数低于后两组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素二元logistic回归分析结果提示,患者年龄(OR=1.146,95%CI:1.036~1.267)、PT(OR=2.643,95%CI:1.323~5.281)、Cys-C(OR=5.039,95%CI:1.548~16.395)是SFTS患者预后的独立危险因素。血清Cys-C作为预测生存者与死亡者的指标具有较高评估价值,ROC曲线下面积为0.831;而联合Cys-C、PT和患者年龄,曲线下面积高达0.930。结论SFTS多发生于农民及老年人群,患者入院早期血清PT和Cys-C水平可有效预估患者预后,两者有望成为预测生存和死亡的生物标志物。

Current status of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in China

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome （SFTS） is an emerging infectious disease caused by SFTS virus （SFTSV）. SFTSV is associated with a high mortality rate and has been reported in China, South Korea and Japan. SFTSV undergoes rapid changes owing to evolution, gene mutations, and reassortment between different strains of SFTSV. In this review, we summarize the recent cases and general properties of SFTS, focusing on the epidemiology, genetic diversity, clinical features, and diagnostics of SFTSV in China. From 2010 to October 2016, SFTS cases were reported in 23 provinces of China, with increased numbers yearly. Infection and death cases are mainly found in central China, where the Haemaphysalis Iongicornis ticks are spread. The national average mortality rate of SFTS infection was 5.3%, with higher risk to elder people. The main epidemic period was from May to July, with a peak in May. Thus, SFTS reminds a significant public health problem, and development of prophylactic vaccines and effective antiviral drugs will be highly needed.

Entry of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus （SFTSV） is a globe-shaped virus covered by a dense icosahedral array of glycoproteins Gn/Gc that mediate the attachment of the virus to host cells and the fusion of viral and cellular membranes. Several membrane factors are involved in virus entry, including C-type lectins and nonmuscle myosin heavy chain IIA. The post-fusion crystal structure of the Gc protein suggests that it is a class II membrane fusion protein, similar to the E/E1 protein of flaviviruses and alphaviruses. The virus particles are internalized into host cell endosomes through the clathrin-dependent pathway, where the low pH activates the fusion of the virus with the cell membrane. With information from studies on other bunyaviruses, herein we will review our knowledge of the entry process of SFTSV.

Establishment of a Reverse Genetic System of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Based on a C4 Strain

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV)is an emerging tick-borne bunyavirus that causes hemorrhagic fever-like disease(SFTS)in humans with a case fatality rate up to 30%.To date,the molecular biology involved in SFTSV infection remains obscure.There are seven major genotypes of SFTSV(C1-C4 and J1-J3)and previously a reverse genetic system was established on a C3 strain of SFTSV.Here,we reported successfully establishment of a reverse genetics system based on a SFTSV C4 strain.First,we obtained the 5’-and 3’-terminal untranslated region(UTR)sequences of the Large(L),Medium(M)and Small(S)segments of a laboratory-adapted SFTSV C4 strain through rapid amplification of cDNA ends analysis,and developed functional T7 polymerase-based L-,M-and S-segment minigenome assays.Then,fulllength cDNA clones were constructed and infectious SFTSV were recovered from co-transfected cells.Viral infectivity,growth kinetics,and viral protein expression profile of the rescued virus were compared with the laboratory-adapted virus.Focus formation assay showed that the size and morphology of the foci formed by the rescued SFTSV were indistinguishable with the laboratory-adapted virus.However,one-step growth curve and nucleoprotein expression analyses revealed the rescued virus replicated less efficiently than the laboratory-adapted virus.Sequence analysis indicated that the difference may be due to the mutations in the laboratory-adapted strain which are more prone to cell culture.The results help us to understand the molecular biology of SFTSV,and provide a useful tool for developing vaccines and antivirals against SFTS.

Proteasome Inhibitor PS-341 Effectively Blocks Infection by the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)is an emerging hemorrhagic fever disease caused by SFTSV,a newly discovered phlebovirus that is named after the disease.Currently,no effective vaccines or drugs are available for use against SFTSV infection,as our understanding of the viral pathogenesis is limited.Bortezomib(PS-341),a dipeptideboronic acid analog,is the first clinically approved proteasome inhibitor for use in humans.In this study,the antiviral efficacy of PS-341 against SFTSV infection was tested in human embryonic kidney HEK293T(293T)cells.We employed four different assays to analyze the antiviral ability of PS-341 and determined that PS-341 inhibited the proliferation of SFTSV in 293T cells under various treatment conditions.Although PS-341 did not affect the virus absorption,PS-341 treatment within a non-toxic concentration range resulted in a significant reduction of progeny viral titers in infected cells.Dual-luciferase reporter assays and Western blot analysis revealed that PS-341 could reverse the SFTSV-encoded nonstructural protein(NS)mediated degradation of retinoic acid-inducible gene-1(RIG-I),thereby antagonizing the inhibitory effect of NSs on interferons and blocking virus replication.In addition,we observed that inhibition of apoptosis promotes virus replication.These results indicate that targeting of cellular interferon pathways and apoptosis during acute infection might serve as the bases of future therapeutics for the treatment of SFTSV infections.

Prevalence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in animals in Henan Province, China

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)is an emerging infectious disease caused by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV).SFTSV has been found in humans,ticks and animals,and SFTS has high mortality and increasing prevalence in East Asia.In the study,the samples(heart,liver,lung,kidney,spleen,brain tissue and serum)were collected from 374 domestic animals and 241 wild animals in Pingqiao District and Xinxian County of Xinyang in Henan Province,China.275(44.72%,275/615)animals were positive for anti-SFTSV antibodies,the anti-SFTSV antibodies positive ratios of domestic and wild animals were 43.58%(163/374)and 46.47%(112/241),respectively.There was no significant difference in domestic and wild animals,but significant differences were detected among different species of animals(x^2=112.59,P<0.0001).Among 615 animals,105(17.07%,105/615)animals were positive for SFTSV RNA,and only one SFTSV strain was isolated from heart tissue of a yellow weasel.The phylogenetic analysis shows that the sequence from animals belonged to the same group with viral sequences obtained from humans.The animals maybe play a reservoir host in maintaining the life cycle of SFTSV in nature.

Transmission and mortality risk assessment of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in China:results from 11-years’study

Background: The transmission and fatal risk of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), an emerging infectious disease first discovered in China in 2009, still needed further quantification. This research aimed to analyze the SFTS clusters and assess the transmission and mortality risk for SFTS.Methods: Both epidemiological investigation and case reports regarding SFTS clusters in China during 2011-2021 were obtained from the Public Health Emergency Information Management System of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. The transmission risk was evaluated by using the secondary attack rate (SAR) and relative risk (RR). Mortality risk factors were analyzed using a logistic regression model.Results: There were 35 SFTS clusters during 2011-2021 involving 118 patients with a fatality rate of 22.0%. The number of clusters annually increased seasonally from April to September. The clusters mainly occurred in Anhui (16 clusters) and Shandong provinces (8 clusters). The SAR through contact with blood or bloody fluids was much higher than that through contact with non-bloody fluids (50.6% vs 3.0%;χ^(2) = 210.97,P < 0.05), with anRR of 16.61 [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.23-26.97]. There was a statistically significant difference in the SAR between exposure to the blood of a deceased person during burial preparation and exposure to the living patients’ blood (66.7% vs 34.5%;χ^(2)= 6.40,P < 0.05), with anRR of 1.93 (95%CI: 1.11-3.37). The mortality risk factors were a long interval from onset to diagnosis [odds ratio (OR)= 1.385), 95%CI: 1.083-1.772,P= 0.009) and advanced age (OR: 1.095, 95%CI: 1.031-1.163,P= 0.01).Conclusions: The SFTS clusters showed a high mortality rate and resulted in a high SAR. Contact with a bleeding corpse was associated with a higher infection risk, compared with contacting the blood from living patients. It is important to promote early detection and appropriate case management of patients with SFTS, as well as improved handling of their corpses, to prevent further transmission and mortality.

Liver Function Derangement in Patients with Severe Fever and Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

Background and Aims:Patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)commonly show liver function impairment.This study aimed to characterize the liver function indices in SFTS patients and investigate their association with mortality.Methods:Clinical information and laboratory results of 459 laboratory-confirmed SFTS patients,including 78 deceased and 381 surviving patients,were retrospectively analyzed.To explore the infectivity of SFTS caused by novel Bunyavirus(SFTSV)in hepatocytes,Huh7 human hepatoma cells were infected with various concentrations of SFTSV in vitro.Results:The proportion of SFTS patients developing liver injury during hospitalization was 73.2%(336/459);the hepatocellular injury was the predominant type.The median time to occurrence of liver injury from disease onset was 8 d.Liver injury in the deceased group occurred earlier than that in the surviving group.Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)level between 2–5 times upper limit of normal(ULN)at 4–6 d and between 5–15 ULN at 7–12 d of disease course were independent predictors of mortality.Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)>2 ULN at 7–9 d and elevated ALP at 10–12 days after disease onset were risk factors for death.ALT and aspartate transaminase(AST)levels were correlated with lymphocyte count and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR).Total bilirubin(TB),ALT,AST levels showed positive correlation with viral load.In the in vitro experiment,SFTSV infected and replicated inside Huh7 cells.Conclusions:Liver injury is common in SFTS patients.ALT and ALP were independent predictors of SFTS-related mortality.Frequent monitoring and evaluation of liver function indices are needed for SFTS patients.

A new luciferase immunoprecipitation system assay provided serological evidence for missed diagnosis of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS),caused by SFTS virus(SFTSV)infection,was first reported in 2010 in China with an initial fatality of up to 30%.The laboratory confirmation of SFTSV infection in terms of detection of viral RNA or antibody levels is critical for SFTS diagnosis and therapy.In this study,a new luciferase immunoprecipitation system(LIPS)assay based on p REN2 plasmid expressing SFTSV NP gene and tagged with Renilla luciferase(Rluc),was established and used to investigate the levels of antibody responses to SFTSV.Totally 464 serum samples from febrile patients were collected in the hospital of Shaoxing City in Zhejiang Province in 2019.The results showed that 82 of the 464 patients(17.7%)had antibody response to SFTSV,which were further supported by immunofluorescence assays(IFAs).Further,q RT-PCR and microneutralization tests showed that among the 82 positive cases,15 patients had viremia,10 patients had neutralizing antibody,and one had both(totally 26 patient).However,none of these patients were diagnosed as SFTS in the hospital probably because of their mild symptoms or subclinical manifestations.All the results indicated that at least the 26 patients having viremia or neutralizing antibody were the missed diagnosis of SFTS cases.The findings suggested the occurrence of SFTS and the SFTS incidence were higher than the reported level in Shaoxing in 2019,and that LIPS may provide an alternative strategy to confirm SFTSV infection in the laboratory.

Seroprevalence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Phlebovirus in Domesticated Deer in South Korea

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome phlebovirus(SFTSV)has a wide host range.Not only has it been found in humans,but also in many wild and domesticated animals.The infection of breeding deer on farms is a particularly worrisome public health concern due to the large amount of human contact and the diverse use of deer products,including raw blood.To investigate the prevalence of breeding domesticated deer,we examined the SFTSV infection rate on deer farms in South Korea from 2015 to 2017.Of the 215 collected blood samples,0.9%(2/215)were found to be positive for viral RNA by PCR,and sequence analysis showed the highest homology with the KADGH human isolate.Both SFTSVspecific recombinant N and Gn protein-based ELIS As revealed that 14.0%(30/215)and 7.9%(17/215)of collected blood specimens were positive for SFTSV antibody.These results demonstrate that the breeding farm deer are exposed to SFTSV and could be a potential infection source for humans through direct contact or consumption of byproducts.