Scientists in China have identified a new tick-borne virus, Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV), linked to flu-like symptoms, low platelet counts, and liver inflammation, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The virus, found in 10.4% of 3,163 patients, highlights the growing complexity of tick-borne illnesses and the need for improved diagnostic tools.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, emphasized the significance of the discovery, noting that ALTNV’s identification underscores the evolving landscape of tick-borne pathogens. We’re getting smarter at identifying those viruses,
she said, adding that when one blood sample is negative, it’s important to say, ‘Maybe there was a new virus there, and let’s look for it.’
The study, conducted by researchers at the State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity in Beijing, revealed that ALTNV is genetically distinct from Dabie bandavirus (DBV), another tick-borne hemorrhagic fever.
Discovery of ALTNV: A New Threat in Tick-Borne Illnesses
ALTNV was first detected in patients who tested negative for DBV, a virus associated with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Researchers analyzed 3,163 blood samples from tick-bite patients and identified ALTNV in 10.4% of cases. The virus belongs to the orthonairovirus group, a family of viruses known for causing hemorrhagic fevers. The cocirculation of ALTNV and DBV in the same areas, coupled with their shared tick vector, underscores the need for improved differential diagnosis between infections with these viruses in regions where SFTS is endemic,
the study concluded.
Patients coinfected with both ALTNV and DBV faced higher risks of respiratory issues and kidney complications, with 18.4% of coinfected cases resulting in death. This finding highlights the dangers of overlapping viral infections, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Effective antivirals exist for flu, but not for many tick-borne viruses, including the newly identified one,
Nachman noted, stressing the importance of accurate identification to avoid ineffective therapies.
Symptoms and Diagnostic Challenges
ALTNV initially mimics influenza, causing fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and occasionally respiratory symptoms. However, the virus can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet counts) and liver cell injury. Unlike DBV, which is linked to severe bleeding and high mortality, ALTNV alone did not cause life-threatening complications in the study. The fatal cases involved patients who were also infected with DBV,
Nachman explained, adding that it’s also about being smart and not giving patients the wrong medication.
Diagnosing ALTNV remains challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other tick-borne illnesses. The study found that 15.1% of DBV-negative patients tested positive for ALTNV, indicating that current diagnostic protocols may miss emerging pathogens. We’re getting smarter at identifying those viruses,
Nachman said, but the longer the tick is on your skin, the more it’s engorged, the more it’s likely to pass an infection to you.
This underscores the urgency of early detection and public education on tick-bite prevention.
Prevention Strategies and Public Health Implications
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Broader Context: The Rise of Emerging Tick-Borne Viruses
The discovery of ALTNV aligns with a global trend of emerging tick-borne pathogens. In the U.S., the Bourbon virus, linked to the lone star tick, has expanded from the Midwest to the Northeast, including a confirmed case in New York.
Ticks carry lots of viruses,
Nachman said. We’re getting smarter at identifying those viruses.
However, the absence of antiviral treatments for many tick-borne diseases, including ALTNV, highlights the urgency of research into effective therapies.
What Comes Next? Research, Awareness, and Policy
The identification of ALTNV marks a significant step in understanding tick-borne diseases, but much remains unknown. Researchers are investigating the virus’s full clinical impact, transmission dynamics, and potential for global spread. Public health agencies are also working to update diagnostic protocols and educate healthcare providers on recognizing ALTNV and similar viruses.
For now, the focus remains on prevention and early intervention. As Nachman noted, The longer the tick is on your skin, the more it’s likely to pass an infection.
With tick-borne illnesses on the rise, staying informed and taking proactive steps to avoid bites is more important than ever. It’s about being smart and not giving patients the wrong medication,
she said, a reminder that accurate diagnosis is the first line of defense against emerging pathogens.
The study’s findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, serve as a critical resource for researchers and healthcare professionals. As ALTNV joins the growing list of tick-borne viruses, the need for continued surveillance, public education, and medical innovation becomes increasingly clear. For patients, the message is straightforward: stay vigilant, protect against ticks, and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms arise.
