Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus aerosol infection in C57/BL6 mice

Although secondary cases have become infected with the SFTSV after being in the same space without direct contact with the index case, it has not been experimentally determined if the SFTSV can be transmitted through aerosols. Here, this study aimed to verify if the SFTSV could be transmitted by aerosols. Firstly, we demonstrated that the SFTSV can infect BEAS-2B cells, and SFTSV genomes can be isolate from mild patient's sputum, which provided a foundation for the existence of SFTSV aerosol transmission. Then, we evaluated total antibody pro-duction in serum and viral load in tissue of mice infected with SFTSV by aerosols. The results showed that the presence of antibodies is related to the dose of virus infection and the SFTSV preferentially replicates in the lungs of mice following an aerosol exposure. Our study will help update the prevention and treatment guidelines for SFTSV and prevent the spread of the SFTSV in hospitals.

Automated summary

This study aimed to verify if the SFTSV could be transmitted by aerosols. Firstly, the researchers demonstrated that the SFTSV can infect BEAS-2B cells and can be isolated from mild patient's sputum, laying the foundation for SFTSV aerosol transmission. Then, they evaluated the presence of antibodies and viral load in mice infected with SFTSV by aerosols, finding that the presence of antibodies is related to the dose of virus infection and SFTSV replicates preferentially in the lungs of mice following an aerosol exposure.