Double-Stranded RNA-Based Method for Diagnosing Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study explores the potential of using elevated levels of blood double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a diagnostic tool for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) infection. <b>Methods</b>: Blood samples from SFTS patients were collected, dsRNA was purified, and total dsRNA expression was quantitatively analyzed using a spiropyran-based method. Comparative analysis was performed using blood samples from healthy individuals and scrub typhus patients with similar symptoms. <b>Results</b>: The results revealed that individuals infected with SFTS had significantly higher total blood dsRNA levels compared to healthy or scrub typhus controls. The dsRNA-based method also has potential for assessing infection severity based on dsRNA levels. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that total dsRNA expression can serve as a quick and convenient method to differentiate SFTS from other non-viral conditions with similar clinical presentations. This method shows promise as a novel diagnostic tool.