Scientists in China have identified a new tick-borne virus, the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV), capable of causing flu-like symptoms, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, and thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by reduced blood platelet counts. The findings were published this week in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The virus, which belongs to the orthonairovirus group, was identified after researchers tracked patients with unexplained illnesses since 2009. In a study involving 3,163 patients who had been bitten by ticks, researchers detected ALTNV in 10.4% of them. Laboratory evidence also indicated that ALTNV can cause liver-cell injury or inflammation.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in New York, explained that some patients infected with ALTNV also had Dabie bandavirus (DBV), a virus known to cause severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Patients co-infected with both ALTNV and DBV were more likely to experience respiratory issues and kidney complications, with a mortality rate of 18.4% among this group. However, the study did not directly link ALTNV alone to severe bleeding or deaths.
"The big picture is that ticks carry lots of viruses," Nachman stated. "We're getting smarter at identifying those viruses. And when one blood sample is negative, it's important to say, maybe there was a new virus there, and let's look for it."
Symptoms of ALTNV infection can initially mimic the flu, including fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. While effective antivirals exist for influenza, there are currently no specific antiviral treatments for many tick-borne viruses, including the newly identified one. Treatment for ALTNV typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms.
To prevent tick bites, health experts recommend wearing appropriate clothing such as long pants tucked into socks, and using tick repellents on skin or clothing. It is also crucial to check for ticks after spending time outdoors, as prompt removal can reduce the risk of infection. Although the Asian longhorned tick has not yet been observed in the U.S., other tick species carrying various diseases are present, underscoring the importance of preventative measures and accurate diagnosis of any potential tick-borne illness.