Human biomarkers of outcome following Rift Valley fever virus infection

Abstract

Rift Valley fever virus is an arbovirus found in Africa and the Middle East. Most infected individuals experience a mild self-limiting illness; however, some develop severe disease including hepatitis, hemorrhagic fever, or encephalitis. The biological reasons for these marked differences in disease manifestation are unknown. In this study, we evaluate 32 biomarkers in serum of 26 patients from an outbreak that occurred in Saudi Arabia in 2000-2001. Eleven biomarkers correlated with viral RNA. Thirteen biomarkers were associated with a fatal outcome. No associations of biomarkers and hemorrhage or central nervous system disease were identified in this cohort.