OSAKA - Scientists from the University of Osaka are working on an fast testing device for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a dangerous virus transmitted by ticks, which a team head cautioned might become widespread across Japan.
Conducted jointly with Fujita Health University and the University of Miyazaki, the research seeks to develop a testing device that can provide immediate outcomes at healthcare centers, possibly reducing the duration required for diagnosis.
The SFTS infection has a fatality range from 10% to 30%, and it can quickly deteriorate once symptoms begin, highlighting the importance of prompt detection. The illness is primarily transmitted via bites from infected ticks and leads to signs such as high temperature and nausea.
As per the Japan Institute for Health Security and other reports, instances have emerged across several Asian nations. In Japan, cases have been verified since 2013, predominantly in the western regions.
Over 100 instances have been documented each year recently, with a significant number of these cases involving older individuals. In 2025, the initial confirmed cases were also noted in the regions of Gifu, Ibaraki, and Hokkaido, indicating an expansion in the area where the illness occurs.
Currently, the main approach for diagnosing SFTS is through PCR testing. However, this procedure may require some time.
As stated by the Miyazaki Prefectural Institute for Public Health and Environment, specimens from individuals under suspicion must initially be forwarded by healthcare facilities for analysis, with the testing process typically requiring between several hours and an entire day to finish.
Although the antiviral medication Avigan can be used as a therapeutic choice, medical professionals emphasize that it should be given at an early stage to achieve optimal results.
In an effort to accelerate the procedure, scientists are working on a small-scale diagnostic tool that uses serum, a part of blood, as the test specimen.
Takayuki Yoshioka, who serves as the assistant head of the Base Department at the Center for Advanced Modalities and Drug Delivery Systems at the University of Osaka and is also leading the project, mentioned that the test kit employs an immuno-chromatic technique to identify interactions between antigens and antibodies.
Similar to pregnancy or flu tests, outcomes would be assessed visually once a sample is placed on the device, enabling healthcare professionals to rapidly detect positive or negative results.
Scientists are now exploring antibodies that specifically respond to SFTS antigens. Several potential antibodies have already been identified, with preliminary testing devices developed.
The initiative combines organizations specializing in various fields. The University of Miyazaki and the Miyazaki Prefectural Institute for Public Health and Environment offer medical and epidemiological insights, whereas Fujita Health University provides expertise in antibody development.
The objective is to develop a testing kit that is fast, easy to use, and extremely accurate.
A representative from Miyazaki Prefecture mentioned that physicians encounter major challenges when they suspect an SFTS infection due to the unavailability of tests at regular healthcare centers.
Should rapid testing become more available, patients might get diagnosed faster without needing several tests for different possible conditions, an official stated.
SFTS is increasingly seen as a significant issue since the virus affects animals such as cats and has the potential to transmit from these animals to their owners and veterinary professionals.
The University of Osaka refers to the condition as a "widespread, fatal animal-borne disease," with scientists cautioning that the region impacted by the virus keeps growing.
"Eventually, it will spread across the country," stated Yoshioka.
Our team has obtained most of the required resources and we're currently entering the phase of applied research," Yoshioka stated. "Our aim is to finish the development process as soon as feasible, possibly within one to two years.
Osaka University is also working on developing a vaccine aimed at preventing SFTS infections. Yoshioka expressed his hope that the university's work in both diagnostic methods and preventive measures will contribute to lowering fatalities from this illness.