New Tick-Borne Virus ALTNV Linked to Low Platelets and Liver Injury
Chinese researchers identify a new tick-borne virus, ALTNV (Asian longhorned tick nairovirus), in 10.4% of 3,163 tick-bitten patients and link it to flu-like illness, low platelet counts, and liver injury. ALTNV is genetically distinct from Dabie bandavirus (DBV); co-infection with DBV correlates with more respiratory and kidney problems and an 18.4% death rate among co-infected patients. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, underscores the need for better differential diagnosis and tick-bite prevention, with no cure or vaccine available yet beyond supportive care.