Chikungunya IgM Antibodies Research Articles

Prevalence of Chikungunya Virus IgG and IgM Antibodies among Febrile Patients Presumptively Diagnosed with Malaria in Ogun State, Nigeria

Prevalence of Chikungunya Virus IgG and IgM Antibodies among Febrile Patients Presumptively Diagnosed with Malaria in Ogun State, Nigeria

IJCM_292A: Chikungunya Outbreak Investigation at Village Bolasa, Petlawat, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, India, September 2023

Background: Chikungunya, a resurging vector-borne disease caused by chikungunya virus, remains a global health challenge. In 2023, globally 4.4 lakhs suspected cases and 365 fatalities were estimated; India accounting for 21% of the global burden. On 5 September 2023, suspected outbreak of chikungunya was reported at Bolasa village, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh by local newspaper. Objective: We investigated to confirm the outbreak, describe the epidemiology and provide evidence-based recommendations. Methodology: We compared past three years Integrated Disease Surveillance System (IDSP) data to confirm the outbreak. We defined a suspect case as fever with arthralgia in a resident of Bolasa village, during 20 August-30 October 2023, searched cases by reviewing patients register from health-care-facilities and house-to-house in Bolasa village. Cases were interviewed using semi- structured questionnaire prepared by modifying WHO chikungunya toolbox and data analyzed using Microsoft-Excel. We conducted environmental survey at domestic and peri-domestic areas and serum samples collected for laboratory confirmation. Results: No chikungunya case was reported in the last three years. We identified 117 suspected cases (56% females) with median age of 40 years (range 27-52 years). Other than fever and arthralgia, the other symptoms included bodyache (78%) and headache (67%). Overall attack rate (AR) was 8%; highest AR in Tadvifaliya of 18% followed by Harijan and Patidar faliya with 12% each. Among the cases, 76% stored water in containers without cover, mosquito larvae were found in the containers in the house or nearby place of 60% cases. Of the 20 serum samples tested, nine were positive for chikungunya IgM-antibody. Conclusion: We detected a confirmed chikungunya outbreak in a rural setting with vector breeding sites identified in a community. Outbreak investigation led to vector control by eliminating breeding sites and community sensitization on water storage practices. We recommended early case reporting, periodic entomological surveys and source reduction.

Comparison of rapid dengue NS1, qualitative ELISA, and quantitative ELISA result

Background: Non-structural glycoprotein-1 (NS1) is a useful biomarker for early diagnosis of dengue fever. NS-1 antigen ELISA can be used for the early diagnosis of dengue fever in the acute stage. Quantitative methods are better for epidemic settings due to high false negative rates in qualitative ELISA. Methods: The study was initiated after approval from the institutional ethics council (IEC/DISS/17118). Study examined 280 patients with dengue symptoms who presented to the hospital's OPDs and IPDs. Patients were tested using qualitative ELISA, and those with Leptospira antibody, malaria, or Chikungunya IgM antibody were excluded. Age, gender, symptoms, comorbidities, total leucocyte count, platelet count, and risk category were all patient-related parameters. Patient-related parameters were recorded, and data was collected using Microsoft excel and analysed statistically. Results: Most patients aged 2-40 with male predominance had fever, chills, and body aches, 243 (86.8%) tested positive for ELISA NS1. Quantitative ELISA test showed a statistically significant correlation with rapid antigen NS1 result (p=0.015). Its AUC was 0.883 (p=0.0001), and its cut-off was (>109.1) with 96.9% sensitivity and 13.64% specificity. The AUC of quantitative ELISA NS1 against qualitative ELISA NS1 was 0.853 which was statistically significant (p<0.0001). At the cut-off >74.34, the test's sensitivity was 92.59% and specificity was 75.68%. Conclusions: Qualitative ELISA NS1 test is better than rapid antigen test for screening due to its higher specificity and similar sensitivity.

Prevalence of Chikungunya and Scrub Typhus Coinfection among Dengue Negative Patients in Kolkata, India-A Newly Emerging Public Health Hazard

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and scrub typhus infection has scattered worldwide creating human health hazards in India and Asia specific region. We aimed to identify chikungunya, scrub typhus, and their co-infection in dengue-negative samples having undifferentiated febrile illnesses. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were used to detect the chikungunya and scrub typhus specific IgM antibody by using chikungunya IgM capture ELISA kit and scrub typhus IgM Microlisa ELISA kit, respectively. OD value was measured with the help of BeneSphera (India) ELISA microplate reader. Among 490 suspected patients, 57 (11.63%) samples were tested positive for chikungunya IgM antibodies, while 43 (8.77%) came positive for scrub typhus IgM antibodies, but all samples tested negative for dengue IgM antibodies. Additionally, 5% of the total positive cases were positive for both chikungunya and scrub typhus infection. Our study offers a hypothesis regarding one of the possible causes of the decline in the frequency of scrub typhus and chikungunya cases reported in Kolkata and other districts of West Bengal. As an outcome, physicians treating undifferentiated febrile patients in endemic locations should look for chikungunya, scrub typhus, and existing coinfection between them to avoid delayed diagnosis and provide proper treatment against these infections.

Potential impact of SARS COV-2 infection on the performance of serological assays used to diagnose arboviral diseases

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 was first described in December 2019, in China. In addition, there has also been an increase in arboviral infections in recent years. As both infections have similar symptoms, misdiagnosis may occur if both outbreaks occur at the same time. ObjectiveOur objective was to assess the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on diagnostic assays used for arboviral diseases. Materials and methodsWe conducted this study by testing samples obtained during the precovid phase (before November 2019) and during the covid period (after February 2020). Samples were further grouped as those with acute febrile illness (AFI) and those without. All samples were tested for anti SARS-CoV-2 Ab, Chikungunya and Dengue specific IgM antibodies to evaluate potential serological cross-reactions between COVID-19 and Arbovirus specific antibodies. ResultsOne sample from the 62 cases of AFI during the pre-covid phase showed seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Also, in asymptomatic individuals, arboviral seropositivity was significantly higher in the COVID period samples (22%) compared to pre-COVID samples (3%). ConclusionDue to similar clinical symptoms and cross reactions in both infections, relying solely on serological testing for arboviral diagnosis may be less sensitive; other clinical and laboratory parameters may be required.

Seroprevalence of Chikungunya Virus Infection in an Urban Slum Population of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Chikungunya virus is common in Bangladesh. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the post-outbreak seroprevalence of chikungunya virus infection in a Bangladeshi urban slum population. Methodology: From April to May 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Bauniabadh, an underprivileged slum area in Mirpur Thana (subdistrict), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Randomly selected residents of this area were interviewed and screened for chikungunya IgM and IgG antibodies in sera using the immunochromatographic process. Results: Randomly selected 403 residents were recruited of which 200 cases were male and 203 cases were female. Chikungunya seroprevalence was 4.7% cases with males being more vulnerable than females (6.5% vs. 3.0% ). People over the age of 60 years were found to be infected at a higher rate (7.2%) than people between the ages of 18 and 59 years (5.5%) and those in the pediatric age group (1%). During the outbreak, 22% of patients with joint pain and 17% with fever were diagnosed as having chikungunya. Conclusion Urban slum people, especially the elderly, are affected by chikungunya outbreak in Bangladesh characterized by fever and joint pain. Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, January 2022;9(1):3-8

Congenital chikungunya infection

Chikungunya is an arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes species mosquito. As per systematic reviews, vertical transmission is seen in upto 50 % cases. Congenital infection in neonates present with predominant central nervous system involvement, characteristic cutaneous hyperpigmentation and thrombocytopenia. We are presenting here two cases. First baby presented with fever and hyperpigmentation while other neonate had encephalopathy followed by facial hyperpigmentation. Maternal chikungunya IgM antibody titres were positive and baby’s blood RT-PCR for chikungunya virus were also positive in both the cases .A strong clinical suspicion should be kept when a newborn presents with features of encephalopathy, perioral hyperpigmentation, especially in endemic areas, where mother is suffering from viral fever with or without rash in the peripartum period.

Evidence of chikungunya virus infections among febrile patients at three secondary health facilities in the Ashanti and the Bono Regions of Ghana.

BackgroundChikungunya is now of public health concern globally due to its re-emergence in endemic areas and introduction into new areas of the world. Worldwide, the vectors for transmission of the chikungunya virus are Aedes mosquitoes and these are prevalent in Ghana. Despite its global significance, the true burden of chikungunya virus infection in Ghana is largely unknown and the threat of outbreak remains high owing to international travel. This study sought to determine chikungunya virus infection among febrile patients suspected of having malaria infections at some selected health facilities in the Ashanti, Bono East, and Bono Regions of Ghana.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study recruited six hundred (600) febrile patients suspected of having malaria who submitted their clinical samples to the laboratories of the selected health facilities for the diagnosis of their infections. Five to ten millilitres (5-10ml) of venous blood were collected from each study participant. Sera were separated and tested for anti-chikungunya (IgM and IgG) antibodies using InBios ELISA kit following the manufacturer’s instruction. Samples positive for chikungunya IgM and IgG were selected and tested for chikungunya virus RNA using Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test kits were used to screen the participants for malaria. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic and clinical information of the study participants.ResultOf the 600 samples tested, the overall seroprevalence of chikungunya was 6%. The seroprevalence of chikungunya IgM and IgG antibodies were 1.8% and 4.2% respectively. None of the chikungunya IgM and IgG positive samples tested positive for chikungunya RNA by RT-qPCR. Of the 600 samples, tested 32.3% (194/600) were positive for malaria parasites. Malaria and chikungunya co-infection was detected in 1.8% (11/600) of the participants.ConclusionFindings from the current study indicate low-level exposure to the chikungunya virus suggesting the virus is circulating and potentially causing morbidity in Ghana.

Seroprevalence of chikungunya fever in a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka

Introduction: Chikungunya disease is caused by Chikungunya virus, an Alpha virus under the family Togaviridae, transmitted through the vector Aedes spp. mosquitoes. The sudden onset of very high fever along with rash and severe arthralgia are the main symptoms. It’s a major public health problem similar to other arboviral diseases like Dengue and Japanese B encephalitis infections. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in north Karnataka. Serum samples of 555 suspected cases of Chikungunya fever were tested for Chikungunya IgM antibodies by ELISA (from NIV, Pune) over a period of 4 years, from January 2013 to December 2016. Results: Of the 555 serum samples tested, 128 (23.06%) were positive for Chikungunya IgM antibodies. The most affected age group was 21 to 30 years 35 (27.34%), followed by 31 to 40 years 26(20.31%). Male to female ratio was 1:1.56. Of the seropositive cases, all the cases presented with the history of fever and joint pain. The maximum number of cases were seen during the monsoon i.e. June 32 (25%), followed by the post monsoon period September 26 (20.31%).) Conclusions: The seroprevelance of Chikungunya cases in the present study is 23.06% with high prevalence in the monsoon and post monsoon months affecting the productive age group of the population. This reiterates the fact that Chikungunya continues to be a major health concern in our setting and indicates the need for appropriate strategies to reduce the severity of disease. Keywords: ELISA, Serology, Joint pain, Tagoviridae, IgM..

Epidemiological surveillance of Chikungunya cases – Findings from a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi

Background: Chikungunya epidemic is a major public health problem in metro cities in India especially during rainy season. There was an epidemic of chikungunyain the year 2016 in New Delhi. Therefore, this present study was planned to understand epidemiological and clinical profile of Chikungunya cases attending fever clinic in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Delhi. Methods & Materials: A total of 200 patients with fever of up to 7 days duration who reported at fever clinic of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi were studied over a period of 6 months. A total of 47,874 fever cases were reported in fever clinic in same duration. Serum specimens were screened for chikungunya infection by serology (IgM). Chikungunya infection was detected in 16.5% patients by anti-CHIKV IgM antibodies by ELISA. A preformed semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire was used for the purpose of data collection. Results: Among these 200 suspected cases of chikungunya, fever (96.0%), joint pain (81.0%), myalgia (77.5%) and lower backache (57.5%) were the major clinical features. Major joints involved were knee joint (45.5%), wrist (32.5%), hand (phalanges) (34.5%) and ankle joints (31.0%). Myalgia, rashes, joint pain and joint swelling was frequently observed among chikungunya confirmed cases (p < 0.05). All group of ages, both gender and all class of socioeconomic scale were equally susceptible to chikungunya infection. Conclusion: Chikungunya virus had a wide spectrum of clinical features and all age groups, gender and socioeconomic status people were equally susceptible to Chikungunya infection. All acute febrile illness patients with joint pain should be screened in the laboratory for both Chikungunya IgM antibodies. Predictability of chikungunya is more in presence of joint pain and swelling, myalgia and rashes. This study emphasizes the need for a continuous surveillance on the disease burden.

Involvement of dual serotypes during a severe dengue outbreak in Wadi area, Nagpur district, Maharashtra 2017.

An outbreak of dengue-like illness was reported from Wadi area within the Nagpur Municipal Corporation during September-October 2017 with five deaths. Major symptoms reported were high fever (103-106 oF), acute joint pains, myalgia, drowsiness, breathlessness, etc. An investigation was conducted to confirm the etiological agent, its characterization and the vectors involved in the outbreak. Serological analysis was conducted to detect dengue (DEN)/chikungunya IgM antibodies in 158 sera samples. Nested-PCR was carried out to serotype eight ELISA positive samples. Adult and larval mosquito collections were conducted in the affected areas to determine species composition and mosquito density. Dengue IgM antibodies were detected in 44 sera samples. Molecular typing revealed involvement of DEN-2 and DEN-3 serotypes. Dengue hemorrhagic fever symptoms were observed in two patients. Aedes aegypti breeding was found rampant with Breteu index and house index ranging from 23 to 70 and 17 to 56, respectively. Major breeding habitats encountered were, used tyres, cement tanks and refrigerator trays. Clinical symptoms, detection of anti-DEN IgM antibodies in high number of samples and heavy breeding of Ae. aegypti confirmed it was a dengue outbreak.

Coinfection of chikungunya and dengue viruses: A serological study from North Western region of Punjab, India.

INTRODUCTION:Dengue and chikungunya (CHIK) infections appear to be increasing in all parts of India. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are common vectors for dengue virus (DENV) and CHIK virus (CHIKV). In areas where both viruses cocirculate, they can be transmitted together. There are very few studies discussing the dengue-chik coinfection from Punjab region of India. The present study was undertaken to study the clinical features of dengue–CHIK coinfection and compare with monoinfection.MATERIALS AND METHODS:IgM antibody capture (MAC) ELISA for dengue IgM and CHIK IgM and ELISA for nonstructural protein 1 antigen was performed on serum samples obtained from suspected patients.RESULTS:Out of total 3160 samples from suspected patients for dengue infection, 2178 (68.92%) samples were positive for DENV while CHIK IgM antibodies were positive in 127 patients out of the total suspected 373 cases (34.04%). In addition to this, 283 samples were tested for both viruses, out of which 27 sera were positive (9.54%) for coinfection of dengue and CHIK. The comparison of signs and symptoms showed that the coinfected patients had fever in all cases while rash was seen in only 30% cases. Arthralgia (79%) and thrombocytopenia (77%) was seen in significant number of coinfected cases thus revealing overlapping nature of dengue–CHIK coinfection.CONCLUSION:Increase in the number of Dengue and Chikungunya infections and their cocirculation is an important public health concern which warrants the implementation of strict control measures.

Maternal and infant death after probable vertical transmission of chikungunya virus in Brazil \u2013 case report

BackgroundChikungunya virus infection in neonates is relatively rare and can lead to death.Case presentationWe report the occurrence of the first death of a mother and child after probable vertical transmission of chikungunya virus in Brazil. A 28-year-old pregnant woman with hypertension presented with symptoms compatible with an arboviral disease at 34 weeks’ gestation. She developed preeclampsia with severe respiratory failure which resulted in the emergency cesarean section, and the patient died 12 days after the onset of symptoms. The pre-term newborn weighed 2535 g, with an Apgar score of 4/8. He was referred to the neonatal ICU with neutrophilia and thrombocytopenia, several seizure episodes, and hemorrhagic disorders, which resulted in death. Chikungunya IgM antibody was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid.ConclusionsWe present the first documented maternal and neonatal death in Brazil after probable chikungunya infection during pregnancy.

Clinico-social Profile of Chikungunya Cases Reported in 2016 at a Tertiary Care Hospital in New Delhi

Background: Chikungunya epidemic is a public health problem in South-East Asian countries.There was an epidemic of chikungunyain the year 2016 in New Delhi. Therefore, this present study was planned to understand the epidemiological profile of Chikungunya cases attending fever clinic in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Objective: To studyepidemiological and clinical profile of Chikungunya cases attending fever clinic in Safdarjung Hospital. Methods: A total of 200 patients with fever of up to 7days duration were enrolled at fever clinic of VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi from May 2016 to October 2016.Total number of 47874 fevercases were reported in fever clinic from May 2016 to October 2016. A preformed semi-structured, interviewer administeredquestionnairewas used for data collection. Serum specimens were screened for chikungunya infection by serology (IgM). Chikungunya infection was detected in 16.5% patients byanti- CHIKV IgM antibodies by ELISA. Results: Among these 200 suspected cases of chikungunya, fever (96.0%),joint pain (81.0%),Myalgia (77.5%) and lower backache (57.5%) were the major clinical features. Major joints involved were knee joint (45.5%), wrist (32.5%), hand (phalanges) (34.5%) and ankle joints (31.0%). Myalgia, rashes, joint pain and joint swelling was frequently observed among chikungunya confirmed cases (p<0.05). All group of ages, both gender and all class of socioeconomic scale were equally susceptible to chikungunya infection. Conclusion: Chikungunya virus had a wide spectrum of clinical features and all age groups, gender and socioeconomic status people were equally susceptible to Chikungunya infection.All acute febrile illness patients with joint pain shouldbe screened in the laboratory for both Chikungunya IgM antibodies. Predictability of chikungunya is more in presence of joint pain and swelling, myalgia and rashes. This study emphasizes the need for a continuous surveillance on the disease burden.

Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Zika and Dengue Infected Patients: Lessons Learned From the Co-circulation of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya in Brazil.

Background: The current triple epidemic caused by dengue, zika and chikungunya constitutes a serious health problem in Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate acute samples (up to the 7 days of symptoms) from patients presenting acute fever syndrome suspected as arboviral infection and characterize the clinical and laboratorial profile during the co-circulation of dengue, zika and chikungunya in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), midwest region of Brazil. Methods: All suspected cases (n=134) were tested by using serological and molecular diagnostic tests including DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV RT-PCR, Dengue nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antigen capture ELISA, anti- DENV IgM ELISA and anti-CHIKV IgM ELISA. In addition, clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters of infected patients were analyzed. Results: It was observed that 79.1% of the blood samples were confirmed for ZIKV and/or DENV infection Of those, 38.0% patients were DENV monoinfected, 26.8% were ZIKV monoinfected and 13.4% were DENV/ZIKV co-infected. Seven patients presented Chikungunya IgM antibodies indicating a previous CHIKV infection. Common symptoms included fever, rash, arthralgia, myalgia, prostration, headache and conjunctivitis. Statistical analysis showed that pruritus and edema were associated with ZIKV infection while prostration and vomiting were more associated with dengue. Additionally, total protein and ALT levels were significantly different in DENV patients compared to ZIKV ones. Some DENV infected patients as well as co-infected needed hospitalization and venous hydration. Otherwise, most ZIKV infected patients presented mild clinical course. Among the pregnant women studied (n=11), three were ZIKV monoinfected while four were DENV monoinfected and two were DENV-1/ZIKV coinfected. In general, normal birth outcomes were observed except for the death due to respiratory insufficiency of one baby born to a mother coinfected with DENV-1/ZIKV. Conclusions: Herein, we provide evidence of the co-circulation of DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV infections in the Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, with a high frequency of DENV-1/ZIKV coinfection. Laboratorial diagnosis poses a challenge where those arboviruses are endemic and differential diagnosis proved to imperative for cases characterization. The knowledge about disease severity during arbovirus coinfections is still scarce and there are several issues emphasizing the importance of adequate management of patients at risk areas.

Hidden burden of chikungunya in North India; A prospective study in a tertiary care centre.

Arboviral diseases, such as chikungunya, dengue and now zika represent a public health problem, especially in tropical countries. Epidemiology of chikungunya and dengue is well known, including its social and climatic factors associated, but only few data and reports of chikungunya are available from North India. The clinical differentiation of chikungunya from dengue is no doubt challenging since both diseases can share clinical signs and symptoms leading to potential misdiagnosis of chikungunya in areas where dengue is endemic. The aim of this study was to know the seroprevalence, seasonal trends, clinical presentations of chikungunya and its co-infection with dengue virus. This was a prospective study conducted in Varanasi, from January to December 2016. All serum samples were tested for both chikungunya and dengue IgM antibodies by MAC ELISA test. Total of 186 samples, out of which 108 (58%) samples were total seropositive, 23 (12.37%) samples positive for chikungunya IgM antibodies, 57 (30.65%) samples positive for dengue and 28 (15.05%) samples positive for both chikungunya and dengue. The most affected age group was 20-30 years and males were more affected than females. A seasonal peak for chikungunya and its co-infection with dengue were seen in November. In India, the seroprevalence of chikungunya is increasing. India is a rapidly developing country where adequate sanitation is required. More aggressive intervention and vigilance by health authorities is needed to decrease vector born diseases.

Clinical profile of patients infected with the chikungunya virus in a Colombian Caribbean population

Abstract Objective To determine the clinical profile of patients infected with the chikungunya virus. Materials and methods Descriptive longitudinal, prospective study on 109 individuals referred to the outpatient or emergency department of the Fundacion Hospital Universitario Metropolitano de Barranquilla for serological confirmation, after being previously diagnosed with chikungunya virus infection by rheumatologists from the Rheumatology and Orthopedics Center. Patients with serologically confirmed diagnosis underwent immunological test for differential diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis. Results ELISA test were performed to serologically diagnose chikungunya virus, IgG and IgM antibodies. No chikungunya IgM test was positive, while 109 were positive for chikungunya IgG antibody. The age range was 22–82 years. The main clinical manifestations were: (1) localized pain in the hands: 82%, ankles joints: 82%, feet: 72%, headache 69%, back: 61%, and elbow: 57%. (2) Pain in other joints: 76%, and muscles 72%. (3) Peri-articular swelling: 55%. (4) Other symptoms of clinical interest: cutaneous manifestations: 53%, fever 89%, rash: 5%, nausea 31%, and incapacity: 19%. Conclusions Most signs and symptoms presented by patients with chikungunya have an extensive rheumatological component that merits further study. The joint compromise in acute and subacute phase resembles the behavior of rheumatoid arthritis, but not so similarly in the chronic phase. There was no autoimmune reaction, and therefore cannot be classified as a type of Rheumatoid process.

Caracterización clínica de sujetos infectados con virus chikungunya, en una población del Caribe colombiano

ObjectiveTo determine the clinical profile of patients infected with the chikungunya virus. Materials and methodsDescriptive longitudinal, prospective study on 109 individuals referred to the outpatient or emergency department of the Fundación Hospital Universitario Metropolitano de Barranquilla for serological confirmation, after being previously diagnosed with chikungunya virus infection by rheumatologists from the Rheumatology and Orthopaedics Centre. Patients with serologically confirmed diagnosis underwent immunological test for differential diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis. ResultsELISA test were performed to serologically diagnose chikungunya virus, IgG and IgM antibodies. No chikungunya IgM test was positive, while 109 were positive for chikungunya IgG antibody. The age range was 22 to 82 years. The main clinical manifestations were: 1. localised pain in the hands: 82%, ankles joints: 82%, feet: 72%, headache 69%, back: 61%, and elbow: 57%. 2. Pain in other joints: 76%, and muscles 72%. 3. Peri-articular swelling: 55%. 4. Other symptoms of clinical interest: cutaneous manifestations: 53%, fever 89%, rash: 5%, nausea 31%, and incapacity: 19%. ConclusionsMost signs and symptoms presented by patients with chikungunya have an extensive rheumatological component that merits further study. The joint compromise in acute and subacute phase resembles the behaviour of rheumatoid arthritis, but not so similarly in the chronic phase. There was no autoimmune reaction, and therefore can not be classified as a type of Rheumatoid process.

Chikungunya: a reemerging infection spreading during 2010 dengue fever outbreak in National Capital Region of India.

Chikungunya fever is an important reemerging arbovirus illness, which is transmitted by the same vector as of dengue virus. Many cases of concurrent infections with multiple dengue virus serotypes have been reported in many countries. Also, concurrent infection with Chikungunya virus and dengue virus has been reported in the past in Delhi. Therefore, this study was done to detect Chikungunya IgM antibodies in suspected dengue fever patients. In this study, 1666 serum samples suspected of dengue fever and collected during the outbreak period (August 2010-December 2010) were tested for dengue IgM antibodies, of which 736 tested negative. Of the 736 dengue IgM negative sera, 666 were tested for Chikungunya IgM antibodies. The demographic profile and essential laboratory investigations were recorded. Chikungunya IgM was detected in 9.91% of the patients. During the post-monsoon period though dengue dominated in numbers, the number of Chikungunya fever cases increased gradually followed by an abrupt decrease with the onset of winter. The Chikungunya IgM positive patients were suffering from fever of more than 5days duration and had thrombocytopenia. Due to similarity in clinical features and vector transmitting dengue and Chikungunya virus, continuous surveillance of both dengue fever and Chikungunya fever is desirable for better management and epidemiological assessment.

Seroepidemiological Survey of Chikungunya in and Around the Regions of Bijapur (Vijayapura - North Karnataka).

Chikungunya is a debilitating, non-fatal, mosquito borne viral fever caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIVA). The disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Severe outbreaks of Chikungunya have been reported in several countries of Africa and Asia. Chikungunya fever is characterized by fever with sudden onset, arthralgia, rash, headache and myalgia. However, arthralgia is painful and long-lasting, affecting primarily the peripheral joints. To find out the prevalence of Chikungunya fever in and around the regions of Bijapur district. The study was conducted from April 2011 to December 2014. Five hundred serum samples were collected from cases with pyrexia and arthralgia. Serum samples were tested for Chikungunya antibodies by Chikungunya IgM ELISA. Out of 500 samples 33 samples were confirmed positive for Chikungunya IgM antibodies. The prevalence rate of Chikungunya was 6.6% with maximum number of cases in the year 2013 (8.5%) and age group 15 to 40 (8.3%). Females (6.9%) were more affected than males. Thus, continuous sero-epidomological surveillance is needed for the control of Chikungunya fever.