Study of cutaneous manifestation of chikungunya and its serological correlation

Geeta B Shinde,Sanjay Popere

doi:10.7439/ijbr.v9i4.4747

Abstract

Aim: To assess the hyperpigmentation after fever and joint pain as a cutaneous marker of chikungunya fever and to assess with serological correlation.Methods: A total of 15 patients comprised of 9 males, 6 females and neonate have aged between 14 days to 60 years presented with the pigmentation after the fever subsided were enrolled in the study. The diagnosis of chikungunya was made by detecting virus specific IgM ELISA in the serum.Results: Serological immunoglobulin M enzyme – linked immunosorbent assay (IgM ELISA) test or chikungunya virus was positive in all the patients. Generalized dark coloured pigmentation was the most common finding after the fever subsided. On examination, out of 15 cases, in most of the cases, hyperpigmentation was observed all over the body with the facial involvement. Few cases showed pigmentation over nose, centre of upper lip, on palm, sole, eyelid, dorsum, centrofacial, reticulate pattern on the face and blotchy pigmentation.Conclusion: The presence of pigmentation after fever and joint pain helps to make a retrospective diagnosis of chikungunya fever and this may be considered as a cutaneous marker of chikungunya fever in recent past.

Highlights

Chikungunya is a vector borne arboviral disease, caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) of genus alpha virus and family Togaviridae transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes [1]
Chikungunya owes its origin to Kungunyala, a word from the Makoude language of Tanzania meaning ―that which bends up‖, which aptly conjures up the image of a patient who adopts a stooped posture because of severe arthritis [1]
Hyperpigmentation is a unique feature noted in chikungunya fever

Summary

Introduction

Chikungunya is a vector borne arboviral disease, caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) of genus alpha virus and family Togaviridae transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (mainly A. aegypti and A. albopictus) [1]. It was first reported in Tanzania during 1952-53. Hyperpigmentation is a unique feature noted in chikungunya fever Knowledge of this pigmentary change is essential, both amongst the physicians and dermatologists, since it can act as an indicator for an undetected outbreak of chikungunya fever; especially in a health set up where it is not possible to screen every case of viral fever for chikungunya fever. It may develop soon after the rash has resolved, and has an acute onset [6]

Objectives

Methods

Results