China researchers discover new tick-borne virus ALTNV

Researchers in China have identified a new tick-borne virus, named the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV), which is part of the orthonairovirus group. The discovery follows a study tracking patients with unusual illnesses since 2009.

ALTNV can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and thrombocytopenia, which is a reduction in blood platelet counts. Laboratory evidence also indicated liver-cell injury or inflammation. The virus was identified in 10.4% of 3,163 patients who had been bitten by ticks.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, noted that patients infected with both ALTNV and the Dabie bandavirus (DBV) were more likely to experience kidney complications and respiratory issues. In such cases, the mortality rate was 18.4%. Researchers emphasized the need for improved differential diagnosis in regions where severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is endemic.