Recent Insight of the Emerging Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus: Drug Discovery, Therapeutic Options, and Limitations

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) also known as Dabie bandavirus of the family Phenuiviridae is a negative-strand RNA virus and a tick-borne virus. Replication of SFTSV into systemic circulation and occurrence of viremia cause cytokine storm and T-cell overstimulation. The event of viremia-induced thrombocytopenia causes reduced platelet count and splenic macrophages, followed by endothelial damages and compromised immune system that cause multi-organ damages. Limited options for specific anti-SFTSV drugs pose significant challenges associated with clinical management of SFTSV infection. This book chapter chiefly emphasizes upon the genetic diversity, geographical distribution, pathogenesis associated with various clinical aspects like symptoms, diagnosis, and available clinical management options. In addition, current research linked with anti-SFTSV drug development is comprehensively portrayed in this review.