Clinical features and epidemiology of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in dogs in the Republic of Korea: an observational study (2019–2020)

Abstract

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a zoonotic disease with a high mortality rate for humans and cats. The clinical course and prognosis of SFTS in dogs remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of SFTS virus (SFTSV) infection in dogs. All evaluated dogs exhibited an acute course and symptoms including fever (57.1%), anorexia (57.1%), depression (42.9%), and vomiting (35.7%). Thrombocytopenia was present in 45.5% of dogs, while jaundice was not observed. C-reactive protein, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were elevated in some cases. Viral clearance occurred within 6 to 26 days. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the SFTSV sequences were consistent with viruses circulating in the Republic of Korea. As dogs often live in close contact with humans, awareness of the clinical and epidemiological features of SFTS in dogs is crucial. Further large-scale studies are necessary to investigate SFTSV infection in dogs.

Epidemiology of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Dogs and Cats in Taiwan

“…Moreover, another study demonstrated lower levels of white blood cell and platelet counts (below 100 counts/µL) in SFTSV-suspected cats from animal hospitals [45]. A reduction in platelet counts has also been documented as a clinical manifestation in SFTSV-affected dogs, with this phenomenon being noted in 45.5% (5 out of 11) of the observed cases [36]. This correlation with thrombocytopenia might be attributed, at least in part, to the sampling strategies in those studies.…”

“…This correlation with thrombocytopenia might be attributed, at least in part, to the sampling strategies in those studies. In the Han et al's study [36], dogs that were exposed to ticks or displayed clinical symptoms resembling those of SFTS were included. However, in our current study, thrombocytopenia was the only selection criterion.…”

“…Cats exhibit a higher susceptibility to SFTSV compared to dogs, with a case fatality rate of 62.5% [33]. In contrast, dogs have shown varying SFTSV mortality rates, ranging from 0 [34][35][36] to 43% [37]. Consequently, understanding the epidemiological characteristics of SFTSV in companion animals is crucial for public health.…”

Emerging Tick-Borne Dabie bandavirus: Virology, Epidemiology, and Prevention

“…In addition, advancements in human research may lead to adapting these treatments for use in companion animals infected with SFTSV. Currently, companion animals are only given supportive care in veterinary hospitals, which includes antimicrobial and symptomatic treatments [ 186 , 187 ].…”

High Seroprevalence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus Infection among the Dog Population in Thailand

“…SFTSV was detected in 6.6% and 4% of the dogs in Laizhou Province and Penglai Province, respectively. Han et al reported 14 cases of dogs infected with SFTSV between April 2019 and December 2020 at animal hospitals in Korea [27]. These dogs showed some symptoms that were similar to those seen in cases of SFTS in humans and cats, but there were no deaths [28,29].…”