Development research that contributes to saving lives of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS)

Abstract

Severe fever with thrombocytopaenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever with a high case fatality rate. Clinicians, veterinarians and scientists are working together to elucidate its pathophysiology and develop effective vaccines and treatments. The work is led by Dr Masayuki Saijo from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and also involves researchers from Yamaguchi University, Ehime University and Yamaguchi Grand Medical Center. The team is investigating the maintenance of the SFTS virus in nature by exploring the relationship of the virus between animals and ticks and the researchers are also working to clarify the pathophysiology of the disease, which will lead to the development of diagnostics, specific treatments and additional treatments and contribute to the further development of a vaccine. The researchers believe that a 'one health' approach to tackling SFTS is crucial, which is why they are tackling human and animal treatment and prevention in parallel. Favipiravir is an antiviral agent developed by Dr Yosuke Furuta from Toyama Chemicals and is the primary candidate for treatment. The team believes that if favipiravir can be administered to patients in the early stages of SFTS, this will reduce the case fatality rate of the disease. So far, the team has developed two recombinant vaccine candidates for SFTS that have so far demonstrated no major adverse effects. The researchers plan to develop other types of vaccines that will be safe for humans and animals.