ARBOVIRUS – CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS

ARBOVIRUS – CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS

Definition

• Chikungunya is an arthropod-borne viral disease caused by an alphavirus.
• The name "chikungunya" comes from the Kimakonde language, meaning "that which bends up".

Causes

• Chikungunya is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
• The primary vector is Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Types

• Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has three main genotypes: West Africa, East/Central Africa, and Asian.

Pathogenesis → Mosquito acquires the virus from an infected person. → Virus replicates in the mosquito's midgut. → Mosquito regurgitates the virus into a human during feeding. → Virus replicates in human blood cells (monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells). → Virus spreads to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

Morphology

• Chikungunya virus has a spherical shape with a diameter of 40-60 nm.
• The virus has a lipid envelope with two glycoproteins (E1 and E2).

Clinical Features

• Fever (usually high)
• Joint pain and swelling (polyarthritis)
• Rash (maculopapular or vesicular)
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Joint deformity (in severe cases)

Complications

• Severe joint pain and swelling
• Joint deformity
• Neurological complications (encephalitis, meningitis)
• Cardiovascular complications (carditis, myocarditis)
• Respiratory complications (pneumonia)

Laboratory Diagnosis

• PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
• Serological tests (ELISA, IFA, and neutralization tests)
• Virus isolation (from blood or tissue samples)

Management

• Symptomatic treatment (pain management, rest, and hydration)
• Use of antipyretics and anti-inflammatory medications
• In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care may be required.

Memory Trick "CHIKV" is an acronym for "Chikungunya Hits, Infects, and Kills Vulnerable people".