Detection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus RNA and total antibodies in wild animals, Jiangsu, China, 2014-2019

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease caused by SFTS virus (SFTSV). Currently, SFTS is endemic to some areas in China. Moreover, wild animals are considered to play important roles in the circulation of SFTSV in the environment. Therefore, wild animals monitoring for SFTSV has been fulfilled in Jiangsu Province. Methods: We studied the results of the detection to provide basic data for better diagnosis of wild animals. This research was conducted in Jiangsu Province from 2014 to 2019. Sera of wild animals (rodents, pheasants and hedgehogs) were collected to detect SFTSV both RNA and total antibodies by qRT-PCR and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS 25.0. Results: A total of 95.8% (1,298/1,355) of the specimens had the corresponding SFTSV RNA and total antibodies detection results. However, there was a significant difference between the detection rates of SFTSV RNA and total antibodies, and the detection consistency was very poor. The detection rate of SFTSV total antibodies was highest in hedgehogs (19.54%). Conclusions: Hedgehog could be a competent reservoir for SFTSV. Also, SFTSV total antibodies testing was preferred method during wild animals surveillance.