University of Zurich professor: 'Our team is developing a serological test to detect ALS virus infections in patients’ blood samples'

Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have found the Alongshan virus (ALSV) in Swiss ticks for the first time and now are developing a diagnostic test, according to a UZH News article. 

Originally discovered in China in 2017, the virus appears to be about as widespread as the tickborne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and causes similar symptoms. The diagnostic test is expected to help assess the severity of the epidemiological situation and is a step toward developing preventative measures against ALSV.

Ticks are capable of transmitting various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. Of special concern is the tickborne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which can result in inflammation of the brain and the linings of the brain and spinal cord, and bacteria leading to Lyme disease (borreliosis).

The complete gene sequence of ALS viruses was discovered as a result of numerous tick samples gathered between 2021 and 2022 in several regions of Switzerland, the article said.

“Surprisingly, ALS viruses were detected in the tick samples far more frequently than TBE viruses,” Institute of Virology Director Cornel Fraefel said.

Since ALSV infection symptoms mirror those of TBEV infections, the ALSV could represent a previously-unrecognized public health concern in Switzerland. 

Currently, there are no vaccines or serological detection methods available for the ALSV, as there are for TBEV, but Fraefel and the UZH team are working to turn that around as they contribute to the understanding of tickborne diseases. 

“Now that we have identified the new virus and published the complete viral genome sequence, our team is developing a serological test to detect ALS virus infections in patients’ blood samples,” he said in the July 12 article.

This year, the researchers plan to investigate the epidemiological spread of ALS viruses in Switzerland alongside the National Reference Laboratory for tickborne diseases and the Spiez laboratory.

This groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the expanding range of pathogens transmitted by ticks and highlights the need for continued research and surveillance to safeguard public health.