A dangerous virus probably transmitted by ticks
Bourbon virus, new to the family Thogotovirus would be responsible for the death of a man in Kansas, United States. The patient fell ill in the spring of 2014 after being bitten by ticks. He died 11 days after the onset of disease.
Ticks are arachnids mites that can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, caused by bacteria. But they can also transmit viruses, such as the Heartland virus, recently discovered, and which, since 2012, caused the illness of eight people in Missouri and Tennessee, United States. Other viruses that may be carried by ticks: the Thogotovirus, which comprise at least six viruses (Araguari, Aransas Bay Dhori Jos, Thogoto and Upolu). Among them, the Thogoto Dhori and viruses are known to cause infections and human diseases. Antibodies against the virus Thogoto have indeed been identified in parts of Europe, Asia and Africa.
In an article published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, CDC researchers describe the case of a man in his fifties died in 2014 in mysterious circumstances. This man, who was in good health, was bitten by several ticks while working outdoors on his property in the spring of 2014. engorged tick was found on his shoulder a few days before he fell ill. He began to have nausea, diarrhea, and became increasingly ill with the following symptoms: fever, anorexia, chills and headaches. The third day, he consulted his doctor and was prescribed doxycycline, a standard treatment against diseases related to ticks.
The next day, the patient's wife found him weakened, awake but with a decreased level of consciousness, hence its transfer to the local hospital. Despite treatment, the patient had more fever. The 9th day, it was still clear but the temperature exceeded 39 ° C and difficulty breathing required an oxygen supply. Its oxygen requirements increase, he was admitted in intensive care. His renal function deteriorated and he was intubated. He died 11 days after the onset of illness of cardiopulmonary arrest.
Bourbon virus, unknown Thogotovirus
The patient was tested for a large number of viruses but as none was found, his blood was sent to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for further analysis. Genetic tests then showed that the man was infected with an unknown virus until then, scientists have dubbed "Bourbon virus", county name where the patient lived. This virus belongs to the family of Thogotovirus. Although the role of the virus in the death is unclear, the authors emphasize the patient's level of high viremia in samples taken two days before his death.
The Thogotovirus can cause meningitis or encephalitis, but they were not known to have an impact on blood cells. Or test the patient showed a decline in white blood cells and platelets. These symptoms resemble those of ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease also transmitted by ticks.
Similarly, the Heartland virus can also cause a decrease of blood cells. It is possible that the Bourbon virus was present for years without it being noticed because it would have made sick person before. One hypothesis is that usually causes mild illness too that people go to their doctor. The death of this man would be a rare case where a common virus became deadly. But it is also possible that the virus has evolved and Bourbon became more dangerous.
To protect against ticks, the CDC recommends using repellent, wear long pants, long-sleeved t-shirts and avoid wooded areas.
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