Pathogenic Mechanisms of Tick-Borne Zoonotic Viral Infections: Insights from Human and Veterinary Pathology

Abstract

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome （SFTS） is a tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the SFTS virus （SFTSV）.　In recent years, fatal SFTS cases in cats have been reported, exhibiting pathological features strikingly similar to those in humans.　Moreover, instances of animal-to-human transmission have also been documented, highlighting the necessity of a One Health approach to address this zoonotic disease.　This review integrates and compares histopathological findings from human and feline SFTS cases to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this emerging viral infection.　Furthermore, the pathological study on SFTS emphasizes the vital necessity of performing pathological analyses from both human and veterinary viewpoints in the investigation of the pathogenesis of zoonoses such as SFTS.　Pathological research on emerging infectious diseases is crucial for establishing the fundamental components of infectious disease control:diagnostics, treatment, and prevention.　Considering that numerous emerging infectious diseases with pandemic potential are zoonotic, it is essential to establish a research framework for “One Health infectious disease pathology” that promotes collaboration between human and veterinary pathology to prepare for future emerging infectious disease threats.