Human Infection with a Novel Tickborne Orthonairovirus Species in China

In northeastern China, researchers conducting active surveillance of febrile patients with recent tick exposure identified a previously unknown orthonairovirus, named Xue-Cheng virus (XCV). Detected through metatranscriptomic sequencing in serum from two patients and isolated in cell cultures, XCV was phylogenetically distinct from known members of the Nairoviridae family. Additional testing found 26 human cases from 2022 to 2024, with clinical manifestations ranging from mild febrile illness to severe disease. XCV was also found in local tick species, indicating zoonotic transmission. This study highlights the value of high-throughput sequencing for identifying emerging pathogens.

In northeastern China, researchers conducting active surveillance of febrile patients with recent tick exposure identified a previously unknown orthonairovirus, named Xue-Cheng virus (XCV). Detected through metatranscriptomic sequencing in serum from two patients and isolated in cell cultures, XCV was phylogenetically distinct from known members of the Nairoviridae family. Additional testing found 26 human cases from 2022 to 2024, with clinical manifestations ranging from mild febrile illness to severe disease. XCV was also found in local tick species, indicating zoonotic transmission. This study highlights the value of high-throughput sequencing for identifying emerging pathogens.