Clinical Update of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

Abstract

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an acute febrile illness characterized by fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting resulting from infection with the SFTS virus (SFTSV). The SFTSV is transmitted to humans by tick bites, primarily from Haemaphysalis longicornis, Amblyomma testudinarium, Ixodes nipponensis, and Rhipicephalus microplus. Human-to-human transmission has also been reported. Since the first report of an SFTS patient in China, the number of patients has also been increasing. The mortality rate of patients with SFTS remains high because the disease can quickly lead to death through multiple organ failure. In particular, an average fatality rate of approximately 20% has been reported for SFTS patients, and no treatment strategy has been established. Therefore, effective antiviral agents and vaccines are required. Here, we aim to review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis, and various specific treatments (i.e., antiviral agents, steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange) that have been tested to help to cope with the disease.

Clinical Presentation and Mortality of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Japan: A Systematic Review of Case Reports

“…A survey by the Ministry of the Environment reported that the habitat area of Japanese deer and wild boars was mainly West Japan, although the area had been spreading northward every year [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. A previous study concluded that wildlife habitat area changes also accelerated the spread of infection of Japanese spotted fever and scrub typhus, both of which are related to ticks [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

“…In this study, the numbers of patients received concervative treatment including fluid transfusion, and administered antiviral drugs were significantly higher in the group that was still alive. Previous studies have reported that there was limited evidence supporting active treatment, whereas conservative treatment administered appropriately was the most critical course of action [ 7 , 17 ]. There have been discrepancies between Japan and other Asian countries in diagnosing SFTS and in collecting data related to its prognosis and mortality.…”

Natural Bioactive Molecules: An Alternative Approach to the Treatment and Control of COVID-19

“…Around 36 COVID-19 patients had taken 400 mg umifenovir three times per day for nine days in a clinical pilot project in Wuhan, China, with 31 uncontrolled COVID-19 patients taking part as a control condition. When compared with the control group, umifenovir therapy was found to have a higher proclivity for reducing viral load as determined by RT-PCR, and also a reduced fatality rate of 0% vs. 16% [ 111 ]. Table 1 illustrates some combinational drugs that can act as potential targets for COVID-19.…”

Nanotechnology Applications of Flavonoids for Viral Diseases

“…A number of zoonotic and non-zoonotic viruses have the potential to create pandemics. These viruses include human Metapneumo virus (hMPV), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), Hanta virus (HTNV), Sin Nombre virus (SNV), avian Influenza A strain (H7N9), Ebola virus, Zika virus, Nipah virus, Hepatitis viruses, West Nile fever virus, Lujo virus, Lassa virus (LASV), Dengue virus (DENV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), to name only a few [5][6][7][8]. One point to note is that these viruses are, on top of other 'common' viruses like Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human Papilloma virus (HPV), currently infecting millions of people, but not attracting a great deal of general attention, probably because they have been around for some time and at least some forms of treatment are now available for them [9].…”