MedWorm: Chikungunya

Differential responses of the mosquito Aedes albopictus from the Indian Ocean region to two chikungunya isolates

BMC Ecology - Latest articles — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We demonstrated that CHIKV only reduces the survival of Ae. albopictus from the Reunion Island. By laying eggs just before death, reproduction of Ae. albopictus from the Reunion Island is not reduced since other parameters characterizing oviposition and hatching were not affected. (Source: BMC Ecology - Latest articles)

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Experimental Vaccine Protects Monkeys Against Chikungunya

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Imagine a mosquito-borne virus that has already infected millions of people in recent outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, the islands of the Indian Ocean, Africa and northern Italy. Although seldom fatal, it causes highly painful arthritis-like symptoms that can linger for months or even years. It's capable of adapting to spread through a mosquito species common in much of North America. And no vaccine or treatment exists to protect humans from its effects. The scenario may sound like something dreamed up as a training exercise by public health authorities, but the virus is all too real... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Experimental Vaccine Protects Monkeys Against Chikungunya

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Imagine a mosquito-borne virus that has already infected millions of people in recent outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, the islands of the Indian Ocean, Africa and northern Italy. Although seldom fatal, it causes highly painful arthritis-like symptoms that can linger for months or even years. It's capable of adapting to spread through a mosquito species common in much of North America... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Morphological and genetic variability within Aedes aegypti in Niakhar, Senegal.

Infection, Genetics and Evolution — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Paupy C, Brengues C, Ndiatt O, Toty C, Hervé JP, Simard F Aedes aegypti (Linné, 1762) is a major vector of arboviruses such as Yellow Fever, Dengue and Chikungunya. In Africa, where the species exhibits major variations in morphology, ecology, behavior and vector competence, two subspecies have been described: a light form, named Ae. aegypti aegypti(Aaa) with highly domestic and anthropophilic habits and a cosmotropical distribution; and a dark form, referred to as Ae. aegypti formosus (Aaf), wich is endemic to Africa and thrives in sylvan environments. In East Africa, both forms were described to occur in sympatry whereas only Aaf was reported from Central/West Africa. However, recent findings suggest Aaa was also common in Senegal. Here, we report on a longitudinal...

Experimental vaccine protects monkeys against mosquito-borne chikungunya virus

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:02:02 +0100

Researchers have developed an experimental vaccine for chikungunya virus and successfully tested it in monkeys. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Experimental Vaccine Protects Monkeys Against Chikungunya

Drugs.com - Clinical Trials — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:25:23 +0100

Mosquito-borne virus has infected millions of people in Asia, Africa and Europe GALVESTON, Texas — Imagine a mosquito-borne virus that has already infected millions of people in recent outbreaks in South and Southeast Asia, the islands of the... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

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Dengue and chikungunya fever: Resurgent viral infections with prominent mucocutaneous features

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:02:58 +0100

Bandyopadhyay DebabrataIndian Journal of Dermatology 2010 55(1):53-53 (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology)

Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of chikungunya fever: Lessons learned from the re-emerging epidemic

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:02:58 +0100

Mohan Alladi, Kiran D.H.N, Manohar I Chiranjeevi, Kumar D PrabathIndian Journal of Dermatology 2010 55(1):54-63Chikungunya fever, caused by &quot;Chikungunya virus,&quot; is an arbovirus disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes belonging to the genus Aedes. Chikungunya fever epidemics have been reported from several countries around the world. The disease that was silent for nearly 32 years re-emerged in the October 2005 outbreak in India that is still ongoing. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 12 days. The onset is usually abrupt and the acute stage is characterized by sudden onset with high-grade fever, severe arthralgias, myalgias, and skin rash. Swollen tender joints and crippling arthritis are usua...

Mucocutaneous manifestations of Chikungunya fever

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:02:58 +0100

Bandyopadhyay Debabrata, Ghosh Sudip KumarIndian Journal of Dermatology 2010 55(1):64-67Chikungunya fever (CF) is an arboviral acute febrile illness transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. After a quiescence of more than three decades, CF has recently re-emerged as a major public health problem of global scale. CF is characterized by an acute onset of high fever associated with a severe disabling arthritis often accompanied by prominent mucocutaneous manifestations. The disease is usually self-limiting, but the joint symptoms and some of the cutaneous features may persist after the defervescence. A wide range of mucocutaneous changes has been described to occur in association with CF during the current epidemic. Besides a morbill...

Experimental vaccine protects monkeys against chikungunya

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston) Researchers have developed an experimental vaccine for chikungunya virus and successfully tested it in monkeys. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

A nonhuman primate model of chikungunya disease

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:25:43 +0100

Chikungunya disease is a severely debilitating, mosquito-borne, viral illness that has reached epidemic proportions in Africa, Asia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean. A mutation enhancing the ability of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) to infect and be transmitted by Aedes albopictus has increased the geographical range at risk for infection due to the continuing global spread of this mosquito. Research into disease pathogenesis, vaccine development, and therapeutic design has been hindered by the lack of appropriate animal models of this disease. The meticulous study reported in this issue of the JCI by Labadie et al. is one of the first reports describing CHIKV infection of adult immunocompetent nonhuman primates. Using traditional and modern molecular and immunological approaches, the a...

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Chikungunya disease in nonhuman primates involves long-term viral persistence in macrophages

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:25:43 +0100

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that induces in humans a disease characterized by fever, rash, and pain in muscles and joints. The recent emergence or reemergence of CHIKV in the Indian Ocean Islands and India has stressed the need to better understand the pathogenesis of this disease. Previous CHIKV disease models have used young or immunodeficient mice, but these do not recapitulate human disease patterns and are unsuitable for testing immune-based therapies. Herein, we describe what we believe to be a new model for CHIKV infection in adult, immunocompetent cynomolgus macaques. CHIKV infection in these animals recapitulated the viral, clinical, and pathological features observed in human disease. In the macaques, long-term CHIKV infection was observed in joints, ...

Field evaluation of clinical features during chikungunya outbreak in Mayotte, 2005–2006

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Our results suggest that the pair fever and incapacitating polyarthralgia is an accurate and reliable tool for identifying presumptive CHIKF cases in the field. These criteria provide a useful evidence base to support operational syndromic surveillance in laboratory-confirmed chikungunya epidemic settings. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)

Chikungunya Virus Infection during Pregnancy, Reunion, France, 2006.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fritel X, Rollot O, Gerardin P, Gauzere BA, Bideault J, Lagarde L, Dhuime B, Orvain E, Cuillier F, Ramful D, Samperiz S, Jaffar-Bandjee MC, Michault A, Cotte L, Kaminski M, Fourmaintraux A, Mother-to-child transmission of chikungunya virus was reported during the 2005-2006 outbreak on Reunion Island, France. To determine the effects of this virus on pregnancy outcomes, we conducted a study of pregnant women in Reunion in 2006. The study population was composed of 1,400 pregnant women (628 uninfected, 658 infected during pregnancy, 27 infected before pregnancy, and 87 infected on unknown dates). We compared pregnancy outcomes for 655 (628 + 27) women not infected during pregnancy with 658 who were infected during pregnancy. Infection occurred during the first trimester for 15%...

Chikungunya Virus in North-Eastern Italy: A Seroprevalence Survey.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study provides basic parameters for modeling the transmission potential of outbreaks and planning control measures for Chikungunya infection in temperate settings. PMID: 20207883 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)

Different lineages of chikungunya virus in equatorial Guinea in 2002 and 2006.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Collao X, Negredo AI, Cano J, Tenorio A, Ory F, Benito A, Masia M, Sánchez-Seco MP Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes an acute febrile infection and severe arthralgia and is considered a re-emergent pathogen. During a study investigating arboviruses causing febrile infection in infants in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, the genome of this virus was amplified from blood samples during near two rainy seasons (2002-2003). In 2006, this virus was isolated from a traveler returning to Spain from Equatorial Guinea. These results show that chikungunya virus is present in this country and two lineages are circulating. Thus, this virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile syndromes in inhabitants and in travelers returning from this country. ...

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Immunology: A Protective Shell

Editors' Choice — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:14:59 +0100

Originally carried primarily by forest mosquitoes living between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Chikungunya virus has become a growing public health threat in Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe. … [Read more] (Source: Editors' Choice)

Chikungunya infection in a French traveller returning from the Maldives, October, 2009

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe the first case of chikungunya fever in a French traveller returning from Malé, an island of the Maldives islands, confirming the permanence of virus circulation by the end of 2009. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes from La Réunion Island.

Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Insecticide resistance in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes from La Réunion Island. Insect Biochem Mol Biol. 2010 Feb 24; Authors: Tantely ML, Tortosa P, Alout H, Berticat C, Berthomieu A, Rutee A, Dehecq JS, Makoundou P, Labbé P, Pasteur N, Weill M Resistance to insecticides was monitored on Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected in twelve localities of La Réunion, a geographically isolated island of the Indian Ocean. This mosquito is of medical concern in the region as a known vector for filariasis and a potential vector for West Nile and Rift Valley Fever viruses. Our bioassays indicated the presence of resistance to all tested insecticides, i.e. organochlorides, organophosphates and pyrethroids. A molecular investigat...

JCI table of contents: Feb. 22, 2010

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Journal of Clinical Investigation) This release contains summaries, links to PDFs, and contact information for the following newsworthy papers to be published Feb. 22, 2010, in the JCI: Blocking blood vessel formation prevents brain tumor recurrence in mice; Successfully modeling hepatitis B and C virus infection; New insight into Chikungunya virus infection from non-human primates; New gene linked to kidney disease; and others. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Chronic pain associated with the Chikungunya Fever: long lasting burden of an acute illness.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is responsible for major epidemics worldwide. Autochthonous cases were recently reported in several European countries. Acute infection is thought to be monophasic. However reports on chronic pain related to CHIKV infection have been made. In particular, the fact that many of these patients do not respond well to usual analgesics suggests that the nature of chronic pain may be not only nociceptive but also neuropathic. Neuropathic pain syndromes require specific treatment and the identification of neuropathic characteristics (NC) in a pain syndrome is a major step towards pain control. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study at the end of the major two-wave outbreak lasting 17 months in Reunion Island. We assessed pain in 106 patients seeking g...

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Type I IFN controls chikungunya virus via its action on nonhematopoietic cells

The Journal of Experimental Medicine — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:21:58 +0100

This study defines an essential role for type I IFN, produced via cooperation between multiple host sensors and acting directly on nonhematopoietic cells, in the control of CHIKV. (Source: The Journal of Experimental Medicine)

Chikungunya foiled by copycat 'virus'

New Scientist - Health — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:04:13 +0100

A vaccine that masquerades as the crippling chikungunya virus might finally defeat the mosquito-borne disease (Source: New Scientist - Health)

Immune protein fends off exotic virus

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:16:43 +0100

A study shows that antiviral proteins called type I interferons (IFNs) are needed to fend off infection with an exotic mosquito-borne virus called Chikungunya virus. This pathogen, which causes high fevers and severe joint pain, triggered a recent epidemic in Southeast Asia, infecting more than 30 percent of the population in some areas. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Immune Protein Fends Off Exotic Virus

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

A study published online on February 1 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine shows that antiviral proteins called type I interferons (IFNs) are needed to fend off infection with an exotic mosquito-borne virus called Chikungunya virus. This pathogen, which causes high fevers and severe joint pain, triggered a recent epidemic in Southeast Asia, infecting more than 30% of the population in some areas. A team led by Marc Lecuit and Matthew Albert at the Pasteur Institute in Paris found that individuals infected with Chikungunya virus had increased levels of type I IFNs in their blood... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Immune Protein Fends Off Exotic Virus

Tropical Diseases News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100

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Serum IL-18 and IL-18BP Levels in Patients with Chikungunya Virus Infection

Viral Immunology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:51:11 +0100

Viral Immunology Feb 2010, Vol. 23, No. 1: 113-117. (Source: Viral Immunology)

Immune protein fends off exotic virus

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Rockefeller University Press) A study published online on Feb. 1 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine shows that antiviral proteins called type I interferons (IFNs) are needed to fend off infection with an exotic mosquito-borne virus called Chikungunya virus. This pathogen, which causes high fevers and severe joint pain, triggered a recent epidemic in Southeast Asia, infecting more than 30 percent of the population in some areas. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Atypical manifestations of chikungunya infection

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Chikungunya fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Typical chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection results in an acute febrile illness characterized by severe joint pain and rash. Although chikungunya is generally not considered life threatening, atypical clinical manifestations resulting in significant morbidity have been documented, especially during epidemics. This review describes atypical manifestations following CHIKV infection reported in the literature, categorized as neurological, cardiovascular, skin, ocular, renal and other manifestations. The importance of vertical transmission from an infected mother resulting in neonatal infection is also highlighted. CHIKV infection can result in severe illness needing intensive care, with s...

Estimating the burden of disease and the economic cost attributable to chikungunya, Andhra Pradesh, India, 2005–2006

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: To estimate the burden and cost of chikungunya in India, we searched for cases of fever and joint pain in the village of Mallela, Andhra Pradesh, and collected information on the demography, signs, symptoms, healthcare utilization and expenditure associated with the disease. We estimated the burden of the disease using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). We estimated direct and indirect costs and made projections for the district and state using surveillance data corrected for under-reporting. On average, from December 2005 to April 2006, each of the 242 cases in the village led to a burden of 0.0272 DALYs (95% CI 0.0224–0.0319) and a cost of US$37.50 (95% CI 30.6–44.3). Overall, chikungunya in Mallela led to 6.57 DALYs and a loss of US$9100. Out-of-pocket direct medical c...

Chikungunya Virus: Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Protects Monkeys

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

An experimental vaccine developed using non-infectious virus-like particles (VLP) has protected macaques and mice against chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne pathogen that has infected millions of people in Africa and Asia and causes debilitating pain, researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found. Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) developed the vaccine because there is no vaccine or treatment for chikungunya virus infection. Details about the vaccine were published in the online version of Nature Medicine... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Chikungunya Virus: Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Protects Monkeys

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists a step closer to human vaccine for chikungunya virus

Los Angeles Times - Science — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

A prototype has succeeded in protecting monkeys and mice against the mosquito-borne virus, which is found in more than 18 countries. U.S. researchers have developed a prototype vaccine that protects monkeys and mice against the emerging chikungunya virus, a major step toward the production of a vaccine for humans. Human trials could begin later this year. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Protects Monkeys from Chikungunya Virus

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:34:53 +0100

Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Related MedlinePlus Topic: Viral Infections (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Experimental Vaccine Works Against Chikungunya

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:23:43 +0100

An experimental vaccine works against the newly spreading Chikungunya virus, at least in monkeys, and the approach may also work against other exotic viruses, U.S. government researchers reported Thursday. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Experimental vaccine works against Chikungunya

Reuters: Health — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:38:15 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An experimental vaccine works against the newly spreading Chikungunya virus, at least in monkeys, and the approach may also work against other exotic viruses, U.S. government researchers reported on Thursday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Virus-like particle vaccine protects monkeys from chikungunya virus

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:00:00 +0100

An experimental vaccine developed using noninfectious virus-like particles (VLP) has protected macaques and mice against chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne pathogen that has infected millions of people in Africa and Asia and causes debilitating pain, researchers have found. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Protects Monkeys from Chikungunya Virus

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:41:00 +0100

An experimental vaccine developed using non-infectious virus-like particles (VLP) has protected macaques and mice against chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne pathogen that has infected millions of people in Africa and Asia and causes debilitating pain, researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found. Scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) developed the vaccine because there is no vaccine or treatment for chikungunya virus infection. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)

Virus-like particle vaccine protects monkeys from chikungunya virus

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) An experimental vaccine developed using noninfectious virus-like particles (VLP) has protected macaques and mice against chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne pathogen that has infected millions of people in Africa and Asia and causes debilitating pain, researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

A virus-like particle vaccine for epidemic Chikungunya virus protects nonhuman primates against infection

Nature Medicine — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wataru Akahata, Zhi-Yong Yang, Hanne Andersen, Siyang Sun, Heather A Holdaway, Wing-Pui Kong, Mark G Lewis, Stephen Higgs, Michael G Rossmann, Srinivas Rao & Gary J Nabel Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has infected millions of people in Africa, Europe and Asia since this alphavirus reemerged from Kenya in 2004. The severity of the disease and the spread of this epidemic virus present a serious public health threat in the absence of vaccines or antiviral therapies. Here, we describe a new vaccine that protects against CHIKV infection of nonhuman primates. We show that selective expression of viral structural proteins gives rise to virus-like particles (VLPs) in vitro that resemble replication-competent alphaviruses. Immunization with these VLPs elicited neutralizing antibodies again...

Sentinel surveillance system for early outbreak detection in Madagascar

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The sentinel surveillance system represents the first nationwide real-time-like surveillance system ever established in Madagascar. Our findings should encourage other African countries to develop their own syndromic surveillance systems.Prompt detection of an outbreak of infectious disease may lead to control measures that limit its impact and help prevent future outbreaks. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

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Establishment of one-step SYBR green-based real time-PCR assay for rapid detection and quantification of chikungunya virus infection

Virology Journal — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, a quantitative, one-step real-time SYBR Green-based RT-PCR system for the non-structural protein 2 (nsP2) of CHIKV that can quantify a wide range of viral RNA concentrations was developed. Comparisons between the conventional semi-quantitative RT-PCR assay, immunofluorescence detection method and the one-step SYBR Green-based RT-PCR assay in the detection of CHIKV infection revealed much rapid and increase sensitivity of the latter method. Furthermore, this newly developed assay was validated by in vitro experiments in which ribavirin, a well-known RNA virus inhibitor, showed a dose-dependent inhibition of virus replication on cells that was assessed by viral infectivity and viral RNA production. Our results demonstrate the potential of this newly developed one-step SYBR Gre...

Travel Medicine: Emerging Pathogens and New Recommendations, Part 2

Consultant Live — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:01 +0100

ABSTRACT: Most travelers to Third World countries encounter health-related problems during their stay and may require medical attention on returning home. Although malaria is still the most common diagnosis among travelers to the developing world, several other infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya fever, and leishmaniasis, are growing in importance. Clinicians need to stay informed about travel requirements and vaccine recommendations for US citizens. (Source: Consultant Live)

Genetic analysis of chikungunya viruses imported to mainland China in 2008

Virology Journal — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Laboratory-confirmed CHIKV infections among travelers visiting China in 2008 were presented, new mutations in the viral nucleic acids and proteins may represent adaptive mutations for human or mosquito hosts. (Source: Virology Journal)

Microarray blood testing: Pros & cons.

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Microarray blood testing: Pros & cons. Biologicals. 2010 Jan 13; Authors: Petrik J Blood donation screening represents rather a unique set of blood grouping-related and pathogen detection assays. We are confronted with continuously growing numbers of testing targets. Ideally, the spectrum of clinically significant blood group antigens and alloantibodies would be wider than allowed by current routine tests. At the same time, we are witnessing an increase in emerging and re-emerging human pathogens due to urbanisation, increased international travel and trade, climate change and other factors. The spectrum of blood-borne infectious agents requiring donation screening is expected to grow correspondingly. Dengue and chikungunya viruses, variant CJD and hepatitis E virus represe...

Global Update: Microbes: Fighting Mosquito-Transmitted Viruses With Bacteria That Infect Many Insects

NYT > Health — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:45:28 +0100

A discovery by researchers could be helpful against two painful and sometimes fatal diseases, dengue and chikungunya. (Source: NYT > Health)

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A Case of Chikungunya Fever Imported from India to Japan, Follow-Up of Specific IgM and IgG Antibodies over a 6-Month Period.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Aoyama I, Uno K, Yumisashi T, Takasaki T, Lim CK, Kurane I, Kase T, Takahashi K Chikungunya fever is an arboviral disease caused by chikungunya virus. A 37-year-old Japanese male visited India and developed fever, myalgia, rash, and persisting systemic arthralgia, the latter of which persisted for more than 2 months. The patient was diagnosed with chikungunya fever by virological and serological examinations. In the present study, we followed specific antibody responses over a 6-month period after the onset of the disease. IgM antibody was detected on days 58 and 108, but not on day 137, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies were detected as late as day 192. The results indicate that specific IgM lasts for 3 to 4 months from the onset o...

New tool in the fight against mosquito-borne disease: A microbial 'mosquito net'

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Earlier this year, researchers showed that they could cut the lives of disease-carrying mosquitoes in half by infecting them with a bacterium they took from fruit flies. Now, a new report suggests that their strategy might do one better: The Wolbachia bacteria also makes the mosquitoes more resistant to infection by viruses that are a growing threat to humans, including those responsible for dengue fever and Chikungunya. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Imported Chikungunya Virus Infection.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 06:50:27 +0100

Authors: Soumahoro MK, Fontenille D, Turbelin C, Pelat C, Boyd A, Flahault A, Hanslik T To the Editor: Chikungunya is a disease caused by an arboviral alphavirus transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus). Symptoms include fever, myalgia, rash, and joint pain (which can last for several months) (1). During the 2005-2006 epidemics on Reunion Island, clinical manifestations such as severe hepatitis, severe maternal and fetal disease, and meningoencephalitis not described previously were observed (2). Occurring in an immunologically uninfected population, this outbreak spread quickly, infecting approximately one third of the population (266,000 of 775,000 inhabitants) (2). The case-fatality rate on Reunion Island was estimated to be 1/1,000 cases, with exces...

A Wolbachia Symbiont in Aedes aegypti Limits Infection with Dengue, Chikungunya, and Plasmodium

Cell — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:00:08 +0100

Luciano A. Moreira, Iñaki Iturbe-Ormaetxe, Jason A. Jeffery, Guangjin Lu, Alyssa T. Pyke, Lauren M. Hedges, Bruno C. Rocha, Sonja Hall-Mendelin, Andrew Day, Markus Riegler, Leon E. Hugo, Karyn N. Johnson, Brian H. Kay, Elizabeth A. McGraw, Andrew F. van den Hurk, Peter A. Ryan, Scott L. O'Neill. Wolbachia are maternally inherited intracellular bacterial symbionts that are estimated to infect more than 60% of all insect species. While Wolbachia is commonly found in many mosqu.... (Source: Cell)

New tool in the fight against mosquito-borne disease

Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:21:23 +0100

Earlier this year, scientists showed that they could cut the lives of disease-carrying mosquitoes in half by infecting them with a bacterium they took from fruit flies. Now, a new report in the December 24th issue of Cell, a Cell Press publication, suggests that their strategy might do one better: The Wolbachia bacteria also makes the mosquitoes more resistant to infection by viruses that are a growing threat to humans, including those responsible for dengue fever and Chikungunya........ (Source: Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert)

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New tool in the fight against mosquito-borne disease: A microbial 'mosquito net'

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Cell Press) Earlier this year, researchers showed that they could cut the lives of disease-carrying mosquitoes in half by infecting them with a bacterium they took from fruit flies. Now, a new report in the December 24 issue of Cell, a Cell Press publication, suggests that their strategy might do one better: The Wolbachia bacteria also makes the mosquitoes more resistant to infection by viruses that are a growing threat to humans, including those responsible for dengue fever and Chikungunya. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Destructive arthritis in a patient with chikungunya virus infection with persistent specific IgM antibodies

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Understanding the specific features of chikungunya virus as well as how the virus interacts with its host are essential for the prevention, treatment or cure of chikungunya disease. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Factors associated with persistence of arthralgia among chikungunya virus-infected travellers: Report of 42 French cases

Journal of Clinical Virology — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, our findings showed worsened late manifestations among patients returning from Indian Ocean area. Persistence of symptoms tended to be linked with clinical burden during the acute phase, which can be informative for early recognition and management of patients at risk for developing persistent rheumatic symptoms. Cryoglobulins failed to be identified in seronegative patients with invalidating dengue-like syndrome. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Chikungunya Virus: Possible Impact on Transfusion Medicine

Transfusion Medicine Reviews — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:20:56 +0100

In recent years, large chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks originating in Kenya have spread to islands of the Indian Ocean and parts of India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Concern of transfusion transmission has been heightened for this mosquito-borne arbovirus because of high population infection incidence during outbreaks and the high-titer viremia lasting approximately 6 days. The virus has not circulated in the Americas; however, the abundant presence of competent mosquito vectors suggests large outbreaks are possible should the virus be introduced and autochthonous transmission occur. Chikungunya virus produces a fever-arthralgia syndrome resulting in considerable morbidity and some mortality, particularly among older age groups and/or those with pre-existing conditions. Estimated tran...

Clinical Chikungunya Fever in Singapore is a Disease of Globalization with Victims at Both Ends of the Socio-Economic Spectrum: Evidence from a Pilot Study

Journal of Infection — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus disease of the Togaviridae family transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. While initially reported as a disease of travellers and migrant workers, local transmission of CHIKF was documented in Singapore in 2008. (Source: Journal of Infection)

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Chikungunya Fever: Could an Outbreak Happen Here?

Pediatric News — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

VAIL, COLO. — Chikungunya fever is a tropical disease few American physicians are familiar with, but that could change quite suddenly, as physicians in temperate Northern Italy discovered to their great surprise two summers ago. (Source: Pediatric News)

Transfusion-transmitted arboviruses

Vox Sanguinis — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There exists considerable risk for transfusion transmission of arboviruses due to short periods of asymptomatic viraemia in populations with variable and sometimes extremely high incidence of arboviral infections. Aside from West Nile virus, few arbovirus transfusion transmissions have been proven, mostly due to difficulties in ruling out vector-borne transmission in recipients with arbovirus disease. Nevertheless, arbovirus transfusion risk models and assessments of viraemia prevalence in blood donations indicate substantial transfusion transmission of dengue and Chikungunya viruses in epidemic areas. Many other arboviruses, several of which are importation risks in the Americas, Europe and Asia, also cause large outbreaks and threaten transfusion safety. Prevention largely depends on exc...

Inovio Biomedical Universal DNA Vaccine For Chikungunya Virus Demonstrates Protective Antibody Responses In Monkey Model

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Inovio Biomedical Corporation (NYSE Amex: INO), a leader in DNA vaccine design, development and delivery, announced that the company's SynCon™ Chikungunya virus DNA vaccine induced protective neutralizing antibody responses in a preclinical non-human primate model. Dr. David B. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Inovio Biomedical Universal DNA Vaccine For Chikungunya Virus Demonstrates Protective Antibody Responses In Monkey Model

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Transinfection and growth discrepancy of Drosophila Wolbachia strain wMel in cell lines of the mosquito Aedes albopictus

Journal of Applied Microbiology — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Transient or persistent transinfection of A. albopictus Aa23 and C6/36 cell lines with Wolbachia wMel strain was achieved. The results indicate the influence of the genetic background of mosquito cells in maintaining Wolbachia originating from a distant dipteral host.Significance and Impact of the Study: The cell model built here can now be used to investigate the viral inhibitory effect of the Wolbachia wMel strain against arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by the mosquito A. albopictus. (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)

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Imported chikungunya virus strains, Taiwan, 2006-2009.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Huang JH, Yang CF, Su CL, Chang SF, Cheng CH, Yu SK, Lin CC, Shu PY PMID: 19891886 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Globally mobile populations and the spread of emerging pathogens.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arguin PM, Marano N, Freedman DO During the past decade, the global public health community has been challenged by the emergence and rapid worldwide spread of novel influenza strains, severe acute respiratory syndrome, chikungunya virus, drug-resistant tuberculosis, and other conditions and pathogens. Modern transportation and increased tourism, business travel, and immigration contributed to dissemination of these high-impact pathogens. The effectiveness of interventions such as airport screening, travel restrictions, and other community mitigation measures remains uncertain. However, human migration has occurred for centuries and will continue, despite the threats posed by microbes. PMID: 19891855 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Chikungunya virus isolated from a returnee to Japan from sri lanka: isolation of two sub-strains with different characteristics.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:42:28 +0100

Authors: Lim CK, Nishibori T, Watanabe K, Ito M, Kotaki A, Tanaka K, Kurane I, Takasaki T A large-scale epidemic of chikungunya (CHIK) fever occurred in several Indian Ocean islands in 2004 and spread to India and Sri Lanka. In December 2006, a returnee to Japan from Sri Lanka developed an acute febrile illness. The patient was confirmed to have CHIK fever after reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and specific IgM and IgG detection. CHIK virus was isolated from the serum specimen collected at the acute stage. The isolated virus developed two different sizes of plaques. Two sub-strains with different genetic and biological characteristics were obtained by plaque purification from one isolate. The entire genome was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis of the E1 genome showed ...

Pan-European Chikungunya surveillance: designing risk stratified surveillance zones

International Journal of Health Geographics — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The first documented transmission of Chikungunya within Europe took place in Italy during the summer of 2007. Chikungunya, a viral infection affecting millions of people across Africa and Asia, can be debilitating and no prophylactic treatment exists. Although imported cases are reported frequently across Europe, 2007 was the first confirmed European outbreak and available evidence suggests that Aedes albopictus was the vector responsible and the index case was a visitor from India. This paper proposed pan-European surveillance zones for Chikungunya, based on the climatic conditions necessary for vector activity and viral transmission. Pan-European surveillance provides the best hope for an early-warning of outbreaks, because national boundaries do not play a role in defining the risk of t...

Vector Competence of Australian Mosquitoes for Chikungunya Virus

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:13:25 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

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Emergence of Chikungunya Virus Infection in Orissa, India

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:13:36 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Appearance of A226V mutant Chikungunya virus in Coastal Karnataka, India during 2008 outbreak

Virology Journal — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Chikungunya has resurged in the form of unprecedented explosive epidemic in 2006 after a long gap in India affecting 1.39 million of persons. The disease continued for the next two consecutive years affecting 59,535 and 64,548 persons during 2007 and 2008 respectively. The 2008 outbreak being the second largest among these three years the information regarding the etiology and the mutations involved are useful for further control measures. Among the 2008 outbreaks the Coastal Karnataka accounts for the 46,510 persons. An in-depth investigation of Chikungunya epidemic of Coastal Karnataka, India, 2008 by serology, virus isolation, RT-PCR and genome sequencing revealed the presence and continued circulation of A226V mutant Chikungunya virus. The appearance of this mutant virus was found to b...

Widely Used Virus Assay Shown Unreliable When Compared To Other Methods

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0100

In the course of doing research on the mosquito-borne pathogens chikungunya virus and o' nyong-nyong virus, researchers have discovered an inconvenient truth about an assay, strand-specific quantitative real-time PCR (ssqPCR), increasingly being used to detect and measure replicating viral RNA in infected cells and tissues. The method most labs are using for ssqPCR is unreliable. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Present and Future Arboviral Threats.

Antiviral Research — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Weaver SC, Reisen WK Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are important causes of human disease nearly worldwide. All arboviruses circulate among wild animals, and many cause disease after spillover transmission to humans and agriculturally important domestic animals that are incidental or dead-end hosts. Viruses such as dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses that have lost the requirement for enzootic amplification now produce extensive epidemics in tropical urban centers. Many arboviruses recently have increased in importance as human and veterinary pathogens using a variety of mechanisms. Beginning in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) underwent a dramatic geographic expansion into the Americas. High amplification associated with avian virulence coupled with adaptation for...

Genetic characterization of 2006–2008 isolates of Chikungunya virus from Kerala, South India, by whole genome sequence analysis

Virus Genes — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:04:06 +0100

Abstract Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a positive-stranded alphavirus, causes epidemic febrile infections characterized by severe and prolonged arthralgia. In the present study, six CHIKV isolates (2006 RGCB03, RGCB05; 2007 RGCB80, RGCB120; 2008 RGCB355, RGCB356) from three consecutive Chikungunya outbreaks in Kerala, South India, were analyzed for genetic variations by sequencing the 11798 bp whole genome of the virus. A total of 37 novel mutations were identified and they were predominant in the 2007 and 2008 isolates among the six isolates studied. The previously identified E1 A226V critical mutation, which enhances mosquito adaptability, was present in the 2007 and 2008 samples. An important observation was the presence of two coding region substitutions, leading to ...

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Widely used virus assay shown unreliable when compared to other methods

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Virginia Tech) In the course of doing research on the mosquito-borne pathogens chikungunya virus and o' nyong-nyong virus, Virginia Tech researchers have discovered an inconvenient truth about an assay, strand-specific quantitative real-time PCR (ssqPCR), increasingly being used to detect and measure replicating viral RNA in infected cells and tissues. The method most labs are using for ssqPCR is unreliable. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

From NAT/PI to NAS/PO: preparing for nucleic acid surveillance and product optimization

ISBT Science Series — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) risk of pathogens for which nucleic acid testing (NAT) has been implemented is now insubstantial compared to other hazards of transfusion. Minimizing the TTI risk of non-tested pathogens is a goal of pathogen inactivation (PI); in particular, the interdiction of emerging pathogens is a major selling point. Incidental to PI is the possibility of eliminating certain patient-oriented procedures, e.g. selectively screening for cytomegalovirus (CMV) or irradiating to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). Do NAT and PI introduce new hazards? Perhaps. The product-oriented elements of 'SQuIPP'[ndash] Safety, Quality, Identity, Purity and Potency [ndash] are interdependent in positive and negative ways, and every intervention...

Epidemiology of dengue and chikungunya viruses and their potential impact on the blood supply

ISBT Science Series — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Dengue and chikungunya, transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, have caught worldwide attention because of increase in the frequency of major epidemics in recent years. Though transmitted by the same vectors, they are caused by different viruses (DENV and CHIKV) that belong to the genus Flavivirus and Alphavirus, respectively. There has been a worldwide resurgence of dengue in the last few decades. Today, it is estimated that it affects at least 50[ndash]100 million people every year. With more than 100 countries, between the 10°C isothermal lines, being endemic, 2·5 billion people are at risk of infection. Facilitated by rapid urbanization and increased travel, the disease continues to make its geographical spread, and the number of cases continues to rise across the world. Chikungunya out...

Infectious Diseases and Arthropods

Public Health — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Of all the insects and other arthropods with which we share our environment there are a few hundred that have the capability to either cause physical harm by biting or stinging or else acting as vectors of disease causing organisms. Although most of these are rooted in the tropics an increasing number of arthropod transmitted infections are being reported from more temperate zones, either because we have just identified something previously overlooked, as was the case with Lyme borreliosis until the early 1980s, or else because disease vectors and/or associated diseases have spread their geographic base. Examples of the latter are West Nile virus in North America or Chikungunya virus in Europe. (Source: Public Health)

[Paediatric features of Dengue and Chikungunya fevers.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gérardin P Dengue (Df) and Chikungunya fever (Cf) arbovirosis are booming in the world, because of the plasticity of their pathogens, mutant RNA viruses making the acquisition of sustainable herd immunity and vaccination difficult in humans, and the plasticity of their vectors, the female mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (Stegomya), capable of adapting to different environments. This review summarizes the viral life cycle and epidemiology of these arboviruses, pathogenesis and pediatric aspects of their clinical forms and the basic principles of their treatment and prevention. PMID: 19815395 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archives de Pediatrie)

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Chikungunya Fever: Could an Outbreak Happen Here?

Skin and Allergy News — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

VAIL, COLO. — Chikungunya fever is a tropical disease few American physicians are familiar with—but that could change quite suddenly, as physicians in temperate northern Italy discovered. (Source: Skin and Allergy News)

Development of field-based real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays for detection of Chikungunya and O'nyong-nyong viruses in mosquitoes.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We describe the development of sensitive and specific real-time RT-PCR assays for detecting CHIK and ONN viral RNA in mosquitoes, which have application for field use. In addition, we compared three methods for primer/probe design for assay development by evaluating their sensitivity and specificity. This comparison resulted in development of virus-specific assays that could detect less than one plaque-forming unit equivalent of each of the viruses in mosquitoes. The use of these assays will aid in arthropod-borne disease surveillance and in the control of the associated diseases. PMID: 19815886 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene)

Dealing with low pH: entry and exit of alphaviruses and flaviviruses.

Trends in Microbiology — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Martín CS, Liu CY, Kielian M The alphaviruses and flaviviruses include many important human pathogens, such as the dengue, West Nile, and Chikungunya viruses. These enveloped viruses infect cells by a membrane fusion reaction triggered by the low pH in endosomes. Fusion is mediated by viral membrane proteins through their acid-dependent conversion from a dimer on the virus surface to a homotrimer inserted into the host cell membrane. Here we review recent studies on the regulatory mechanisms that silence these fusion proteins during virus exit and that sense low pH and mediate protein refolding during virus entry. We discuss results using truncated proteins to dissect the fusion reaction, and future research directions including the development of antiviral therapies agai...

Chikungunya outbreak in India

Chikungunya — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:21:54 +0100

An survey which was taken on August 2009,says that nearly 20,000 people around Saem in tamil nadu,south india are infected with chikungunya virus,this virus affects only people above 15 Yrs. secondary infection is not seen,so an effective drug must me given rather than Chloroquine,which is not effective. (Source: Chikungunya)

Development of a consensus microarray method for identification of some highly pathogenic viruses

Journal of Medical Virology — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Some highly pathogenic viruses, such as Chikungunya virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Yellow fever virus, Dengue virus, Hanta virus, SARS-CoV, and H5N1 avian influenza virus can cause severe infectious diseases. However, the consensus method for detecting these viruses has not been well established. A rapid and sensitive microarray approach for detection of these viruses and a panel of specific probes covering nine genera and 16 virus species were designed. 70-mer oligonucleotides were used at the genus level and 50-mer oligonucleotides were at the species level, respectively. To decrease the interference of the host genome in hybridization, the consensus genus primers were designed and used to reverse transcribe only virus genome. The synthesis of the second strand was carried out with ...

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Development and evaluation of antigen capture ELISA for early clinical diagnosis of chikungunya

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:02:25 +0100

Abstract: The resurgence of chikungunya (CHIK) in the form of unprecedented explosive epidemic after a gap of 3 decades in India and Indian Ocean islands is a point of major public health concern. The laboratory diagnosis is essentially based on virus isolation, IgM ELISA, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Although PCR-based methods are used for early and accurate diagnosis, the high cost of the assay and requirement of thermal cycler limit its application only to referral laboratories. The antibody-based IgM ELISA is found to be cost-effective, but it takes 5 to 6 days for the patient to develop antibody and, thus, has less implication for early clinical diagnosis and patient management. Therefore, a simple rapid, sensitive, and specific antigen detection syste...

NEUROLOGICAL REVIEW: Emerging Viral Infections of the Central Nervous System: Part 2

Archives of Neurology — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The first part of this review ended with a discussion of new niches for known viruses as illustrated by viral central nervous system (CNS) disease associated with organ transplant and the syndrome of human herpesvirus 6–associated posttransplant acute limbic encephalitis. In this part, we begin with a continuation of this theme, reviewing the association of JC virus–associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with novel immunomodulatory agents. This part then continues with emerging viral infections associated with importation of infected animals (monkeypox virus), then spread of vectors and enhanced vector competence (chikungunya virus [CHIK]), and novel viruses causing CNS infections including Nipah and Hendra viruses and bat lyssaviruses (BLV). (Source: Archi...

Chikungunya infection confirmed in a Belgian traveller returning from Phuket (Thailand).

Euro Surveill — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:10:03 +0100

We describe the first case of chikungunya in a Belgian traveller returning from Phuket, Thailand and discuss the potential implications of chikungunya cases imported to European countries for patient management and public health. PMID: 19555596 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Sporadic cases of chikungunya, Réunion Island, August 2009.

Euro Surveill — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:58:03 +0100

Sporadic cases of chikungunya, Réunion Island, August 2009. Euro Surveill. 2009;14(35): Authors: D'Ortenzio E, Grandadam M, Balleydier E, Dehecq JS, Jaffar-Bandjee MC, Michault A, Andriamandimby SF, Reynes JM, Filleul L On 28 August 2009, French authorities reported five cases of chikungunya fever on Reunion Island: three confirmed, one probable, and one suspected case under investigation. All three confirmed patients presented with an acute febrile syndrome, arthralgia, myalgia and cutaneaous rash. All live in the same area on the western side of the island. PMID: 19728980 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Sporadic cases of chikungunya, Réunion Island, August 2009

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

On 28 August 2009, French authorities reported five cases of chikungunya fever on Réunion Island: three confirmed, one probable, and one suspected case under investigation. All three confirmed patients presented with an acute febrile syndrome, arthralgia, myalgia and cutaneaous rash. All live in the same area on the western side of the island. (Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

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Larval Environmental Temperature and the Susceptibility of Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) to Chikungunya Virus

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:31:16 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Comparative Role of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in the Emergence of Dengue and Chikungunya in Central Africa

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:31:06 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Novel infectious agents causing uveitis

International Ophthalmology — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:50:51 +0100

Abstract In any patient with uveitis, an infectious cause should be ruled out first. The differential diagnosis includes multiple well-known diseases including herpes, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, bartonellosis, Lyme disease, and others. However, clinician should be aware of emerging infectious agents as potential causes of systemic illness and also intraocular inflammation. Air travel, immigration, and globalization of business have overturned traditional pattern of geographic distribution of infectious diseases, and therefore one should work locally but think globally. This review recapitulates the systemic and ocular manifestations of several emergent infectious diseases relevant to the ophthalmologist including Rickettsioses, West Nile virus infection, Rift v...

Emerging Infections: Chikungunya Fever: An Epidemiological Review of a Re‐Emerging Infectious Disease

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:21:35 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 49, Issue 6, 15 September 2009. Chikungunya fever is an acute febrile illness associated with severe, often debilitating polyarthralgias. The disease is caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arthropod‐borne virus that is transmitted to humans primarily via the bite of an infected mosquito. Since a re‐emergence of CHIKV in 2004, the virus has spread into novel locations, such as Europe, and has led to millions of cases of disease throughout countries in and around the Indian Ocean. The risk of importation of CHIKV into new areas is ever present because of the high attack rates associated with the recurring epidemics, the high levels of viremia in infected humans, and the worldwide distribution of the vectors responsible for transmitting CHIKV...

Chikungunya virus of Asian and Central/East African genotypes in Malaysia

Journal of Clinical Virology — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The CHIKV strain causing the largest Malaysian outbreak is of the Central/East African genotype. The presence of the A226V mutation, which enhances transmissibility of CHIKV by Aedes albopictus, may explain the extensive spread especially in rural areas. Serum cross-neutralisation of different genotypes may aid potential vaccines and limit the effect of future outbreaks. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

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[Letters] Rheumatoid arthritis after Chikungunya fever: a prospective follow-up study of 21 cases

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

NEUROLOGICAL REVIEW: Emerging Viral Infections of the Central Nervous System: Part 1

Archives of Neurology — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this 2-part review, I will focus on emerging virus infections of the central nervous system (CNS). Part 1 will introduce the basic features of emerging infections, including their definition, epidemiology, and the frequency of CNS involvement. Important mechanisms of emergence will be reviewed, including viruses spreading into new host ranges as exemplified by West Nile virus (WNV), Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, Toscana virus, and enterovirus 71 (EV71). Emerging infections also result from opportunistic spread of viruses into known niches, often resulting from attenuated host resistance to infection. This process is exemplified by transplant-associated cases of viral CNS infection caused by WNV, rabies virus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis–like ...

Chikungunya Fever: An Epidemiological Review of a Re‐Emerging Infectious Disease

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:47:02 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Chikungunya fever is an acute febrile illness associated with severe, often debilitating polyarthralgias. The disease is caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arthropod‐borne virus that is transmitted to humans primarily via the bite of an infected mosquito. Since a re‐emergence of CHIKV in 2004, the virus has spread into novel locations, such as Europe, and has led to millions of cases of disease throughout countries in and around the Indian Ocean. The risk of importation of CHIKV into new areas is ever present because of the high attack rates associated with the recurring epidemics, the high levels of viremia in infected humans, and the worldwide distribution of the vectors responsible for transmittin...

Clinical features and epidemiology of chikungunya infection in Singapore.

Singapore Medical Journal — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ng KW, Chow A, Win MK, Dimatatac F, Neo HY, Lye DC, Leo YS Chikungunya is a re-emerging mosquito-borne viral infection that has spread from East Africa to Indian Ocean islands and re-emerged in India since 2004. In Malaysia, chikungunya re-emerged after a hiatus of seven years, causing a localised outbreak in a north-western coastal town in 2006 and subsequently widespread outbreaks in 2008. Since the first local outbreak of chikungunya in Singapore in January 2008, chikungunya infections have been increasingly reported in Singapore. In this case series, five patients aged 37-62 years, with chikungunya infection confirmed in August 2008, were reported. Three of the five were male, and only one had medical comorbidities. Two had a travel history to Johor, Malaysia, where local ...

Entomologic and virologic investigation of Chikungunya, Singapore.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This report highlights the use of entomologic and virologic data to assist in the control of chikungunya in disease-endemic areas. PMID: 19751586 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

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Cutaneous manifestations in patients suspected of chikungunya disease

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:54:28 +0100

Conclusions : To conclude, a plethora of cutaneous manifestations were noted in suspected cases of chikungunya disease. Genital ulcers, to the best of our knowledge, have not been reported during the earlier epidemics but have been reported by others during the present one. (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology)

The role of environmental and individual factors in the social epidemiology of chikungunya disease on Mayotte Island.

Health & Place — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:53:13 +0100

This article examines the role of environmental and individual factors in the social epidemiology of chikungunya disease on the island of Mayotte (South-western Indian Ocean). In an epidemic setting, an interdisciplinary study combining interviews, observations, and serological tests was conducted to: (1) estimate the frequency and social distribution of chikungunya disease and (2) identify its principal cognitive, behavioral, and environmental determinants within a stratified random sample of the Mayotte population (n=888). Semi-parametric tests and multiple correspondence analyses were used to describe the statistical relationships between the different classes of variables examined in this study and the presence of antibodies attributable to chikungunya. These analyses highlighted diffe...

Amelioration of alphavirus-induced arthritis and myositis in a mouse model by treatment with bindarit, an inhibitor of monocyte chemotactic proteins

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Alphaviruses such as chikungunya virus, Sindbis virus, o'nyong-nyong virus, Mayaro virus, and Ross River virus (RRV), are commonly associated with arthralgias and overt arthritides worldwide. Understanding the processes by which arthritogenic viruses cause disease is a prerequisite in the quest for better treatments. In this regard, we have recently established that monocyte/macrophages are mediators of alphavirus-induced arthritis in mice. We hypothesized that chemokines associated with monocyte/macrophage recruitment may play an important role in disease. The aim of the present investigations was to determine whether bindarit, an inhibitor of monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) synthesis, could ameliorate alphavirus-induced rheumatic disease in mice.Using our recently developed mouse mode...

Systemic involvements and fatalities during Chikungunya epidemic in India, 2006

Journal of Clinical Virology — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Chikungunya infection can cause systemic complications and probably deaths, especially in elderly adults. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

International diagnostic accuracy study for the serological detection of chikungunya virus infection

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Clin Microbiol Infect 2009 External quality assurance for serological detection of chikungunya virus infection was performed to assess the diagnostic quality of expert laboratories. Of 30 participants, only six correctly analysed all reference samples with their respective tests. Thirteen laboratories gave at least 85% correct results, and 11 laboratories 75% or less. IgM antibodies were detected less frequently than IgG antibodies (p (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)

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Blood-Feeding Behavior of Aedes albopictus, a Vector of Chikungunya on La Réunion

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:11:38 +0100

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases)

Cutaneous manifestations in patients suspected of chikungunya disease

Indian Journal of Dermatology — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:51:15 +0100

Detection of novel insect flavivirus sequences integrated in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Northern Italy

BioMed Central — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The presence of DNA sequences integrated from a new flavivirus related to Cell Fusing Agent and Kamiti River Virus was identified in wild Aedes albopictus mosquito populations from the provinces of Trentino and Padova, Northern Italy. Field work was developed during August-October 2007 with BG-traps, and mosquitoes were screened for flavivirus and alphavirus. No alphavirus was detected, indicating that Chikungunya virus is not present in these mosquitoes in Trentino and Padova area. However, 21% of the pools were positive for flavivirus, further recognised with BLAST as similar to Kamiti River Virus. Phylogenetical analysis with 708 nucleotides from the NS5 gene identified this virus as a new member of the insect flavivirus clade, together with others like Kamiti River Virus, Cell Fusing A...

[Original articles] Concurrent outbreaks of Chikungunya and Dengue fever in Kandy, Sri Lanka, 2006-07: a comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory features

Postgraduate Medical Journal — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Most of the clinical and laboratory features of patients with Chikungunya and Dengue fever are similar. Arthritis is the pathgnomonic sign in patients with Chikungunya fever. (Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal)

Prophylaxis and Therapy for Chikungunya Virus Infection

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:52:48 +0100

Conclusions. Administration of CHIKV immunoglobulins may constitute a safe and efficacious prevention strategy and treatment for individuals exposed to CHIKV who are at risk of severe infection, such as neonates born to viremic mothers and adults with underlying conditions. These results provide a proof‐of‐concept for purifying human immunoglobulins from plasma samples from patients in the convalescent phase of an emerging infectious disease for which neither prevention nor treatment is available. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

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Chikungunya: First Steps Toward Specific Treatment and Prophylaxis

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:53:50 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Clinical and molecular characterization of chikungunya virus in South Thailand.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Theamboonlers A, Rianthavorn P, Praianantathavorn K, Wuttirattanakowit N, Poovorawan Y In 2008, an outbreak of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) occurred in Narathiwat province, south Thailand. To determine the clinical significance, molecular epidemiology and evolutionary origin of the CHIKV causing this outbreak, 47 patients who had been admitted to Narathiwatratchanakharin provincial hospital due to acute febrile illness were enrolled in this study. Sera were tested for IgM antibodies, and RT-PCR was performed for CHIKV and dengue virus. We diagnosed 10 patients with CHIKV infection and 5 with dengue virus infection. Joint pain is a significant symptom of chikungunya fever. Five strains of CHIKV were isolated. Their genome sequences were different from those isolated from the previ...

Co-infections with chikungunya virus and dengue virus in Delhi, India.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chahar HS, Bharaj P, Dar L, Guleria R, Kabra SK, Broor S Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are common vectors for dengue virus and chikungunya virus. In areas where both viruses cocirculate, they can be transmitted together. During a dengue outbreak in Delhi in 2006, 17 of 69 serum samples were positive for chikungunya virus by reverse transcription-PCR; 6 samples were positive for both viruses. PMID: 19624923 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Failure to demonstrate experimental vertical transmission of the epidemic strain of Chikungunya virus in Aedes albopictus from La Réunion Island, Indian Ocean.

Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, Ae. albopictus originating from La Réunion were orally infected with a blood-meal containing 10(8) pfu/mL of the CHIKV epidemic strain (CHIKV 06.21). Eggs from the first and second gonotrophic cycles were collected and raised to the adult stage. The infectious status of the progeny was checked (i) by immunofluorescence on head squashes of individual mosquitoes to detect the presence of viral particles or (ii) by quantitative RT-PCR on mosquito pools to detect viral RNA. We analysed a total of 1,675 specimens from the first gonotrophic cycle and 1,709 from the second gonotrophic cycle without detecting any viral particles or viral RNA. These laboratory results are compared to field records. PMID: 19722089 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Memorias do Insti...

Re-emerging chikungunya fever: some lessons from Asia

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Chikungunya is an arboviral infection that re-emerged in several Asian countries during 2005[ndash]2006 after a long period of quiescence. Several microbial, climatic, social and economic factors influenced the occurrence of this disease as well as the rapidity with which it swept across many countries resulting in significant morbidity. Prevention and control of such diseases require not only a strong public health infrastructure but also a precise understanding of the factors that provide a conducive environment for the virus to propagate and infect a large number of people in a short time period. A multipronged response with an active role by the communities is critical for combating chikungunya and other emerging infectious diseases. The paper discusses important lessons that can be le...

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Death due to chikungunya.

Tropical Doctor — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:32:13 +0100

Authors: Bandyopadhyay B, Bandyopadhyay D, Bhattacharya R, De R, Saha B, Mukherjee H, Hati AK After its first appearance in Kolkata (Calcutta) during 1963-1965, chikungunya occurred in epidemic form in India in 17 states and union territories. There were 13,90,322 cases suspected to be suffering from chikungunya in 2006, 59,535 in 2007 and 11,222 in 2008; in 2006, 2007 and 2008 there were 15,961, 7,837 and 262 samples, respectively, sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune, and the National Institute of Communicable Disease, Delhi, for serological diagnosis. Of these, 2001, 1826 and 44, respectively, were confirmed as chikungunya. There were no deaths (data from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Government of India). PMID: 19535766 [PubMed - in process] (...

Recent advances in tropical medicine

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:03:01 +0100

Summary: There have been significant advances in both the classical and neglected tropical diseases, with Guinea worm looking set to be the next disease after smallpox to be eradicated. Aided by a combination of enhanced understanding of the biology of the pathogens, intensification of immunisation activities or mass drug administration, together with the development of synergies with control programmes for co-endemic tropical diseases, polio, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma and onchocerciasis all appear to be in global decline, with good prospects for eventual successful elimination. While the global incidence of new cases of leprosy continues to decrease, the focus of leprosy control efforts has shifted following more widespread recognition that cure of infection does not necessarily prev...

Chikungunya infection confirmed in a Belgian traveller returning from Phuket (Thailand)

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

[Climate changes and emerging diseases : What new infectious diseases and health problem can be expected?]

Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Stark K, Niedrig M, Biederbick W, Merkert H, Hacker J Increasing temperatures, but also other climatic factors, will have an impact on human health. Apart from the direct consequences of extreme weather conditions (e.g., heat-related fatalities), indirect health consequences in the long-term are also of great importance. In addition to a likely increase in allergic diseases and additional complications in the course of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, infectious diseases are of particular interest. In Germany, endemic pathogens, such as hantavirus (with its reservoir in small rodents), tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, tick-borne encephalitis virus), and certain food- and water-borne pathogens, are of concern. Mild winters favor rodent populations and may res...

Genetic predisposition to chikungunya - a blood group study in chikungunya affected families

Virology Journal — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of CHIKV virus infected Aedes mosquitoes. During last year monsoon outbreak of chikungunya fever, we carryout the genetic predisposition to chikungunya in disease affected 100 families by doing blood group (ABO) tests. In the present study, we designed to focus on individuals who were likely to have a risk of chikungunya and identified the blood group involved in susceptibility/resistance to chikungunya in the chikungunya affected families. Based on blood group Antigens, the individuals were kept in four groups - A (108), B (98), AB (20) and O (243). The results of study state that all Rh positive blood group individuals are susceptible. Among them, the blood group O +ve individuals are more susceptible to chikungunya ...

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Co-infections with Chikungunya Virus and Dengue Virus in Delhi, India, H.S. Chahar et al.

Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0100

(Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal)

On the Final Size of Epidemics with Seasonality.

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bacaër N, Gomes MG We first study an SIR system of differential equations with periodic coefficients describing an epidemic in a seasonal environment. Unlike in a constant environment, the final epidemic size may not be an increasing function of the basic reproduction number [Symbol: see text](0) or of the initial fraction of infected people. Moreover, large epidemics can happen even if [Symbol: see text](0)<1. But like in a constant environment, the final epidemic size tends to 0 when [Symbol: see text](0)<1 and the initial fraction of infected people tends to 0. When [Symbol: see text](0)>1, the final epidemic size is bigger than the fraction 1-1/[Symbol: see text](0) of the initially nonimmune population. In summary, the basic reproduction number [Symbol: see ...

Adaptation of the BG-Sentinel trap to capture male and female Aedes albopictus mosquitoes

Medical and Veterinary Entomology — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

We present an effective and practical method for trapping both male and female Ae. albopictus using a mouse-baited BG-Sentinel trap. (Source: Medical and Veterinary Entomology)

Chikungunya and West Nile virus outbreaks: what is happening in north-eastern Italy?

The European Journal of Public Health — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: The European Journal of Public Health)

Thailand facing mosquito virus outbreak

Health News - UPI.com — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:48:12 +0100

BANGKOK, May 15 (UPI) -- More than 15,000 people in southern Thailand have fallen ill with a mosquito virus known as Chikungunya disease, a disease control official says. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

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Chikungunya virus: The neurology

Neurology India — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:14:12 +0100

Murthy JMKNeurology India 2009 57(2):113-115 (Source: Neurology India)

Neurological complications of Chikungunya virus infection

Neurology India — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:14:12 +0100

Conclusion: Recent CHIKV infection was associated with various neurological complications, suggesting neurotropic nature of the virus. The outcome of the neurological complications is likely to be good. (Source: Neurology India)

Dengue and Chikungunya virus co-infection in a German traveller

Journal of Clinical Virology — Wed, 13 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Dengue virus (DENV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are arthropod-borne RNA viruses of the Flaviviridae and Togaviridae family, respectively. Both viruses share the same vector, Aedes aegypti. The recent introduction of a new genetic lineage into the Indian sub-continent resulted in large outbreaks. To date, both DENV and CHIKV are co-circulating in India and Southeast Asia. Here we report a case of co-infection with both viruses in a German traveller. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Chikungunya in Singapore: Imported Cases Among Travelers Visiting Friends and Relatives

Journal of Travel Medicine — Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)

Severe bullous skin lesions associated with Chikungunya virus infection in small infants

European Journal of Pediatrics — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:56:01 +0100

Conclusion Chikungunya should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile blistering dermatoses in small infants in epidemic areas. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00431-009-0986-0Authors Stéphanie Robin, Centre Hospitalier Félix Guyon Service de Pédiatrie CHR Réunion, Allée des Topazes 97405 Saint-Denis La Réunion FranceDuksha Ramful, Centre Hospitalier Félix Guyon Service de Réanimation Néonatale et Infantile CHR Réunion Saint-Denis FranceJulie Zettor, Centre Hospitalier Félix Guyon Service de Pédiatrie CHR Réunion, Allée des Topazes 97405 Saint-Denis La Réunion FranceLéon Benhamou, Centre Hospitalier Félix Guyon Service des Grands Brûlés CHR Réunion Saint-Denis FranceMarie-Christine Jaffar-Bandjee, Centre ...

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A hypothesis for explaining single outbreaks (like the Black Death in European cities) of vector-borne infections

Medical Hypotheses — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:37:59 +0100

Summary: We propose a mechanism by which single outbreaks of vector-borne infections can happen even when the value of the basic reproduction number, R0, of the infection is below one. With this hypothesis we have shown that dynamical models simulations demonstrate that the arrival of a relatively small (with respect to the host population) number of infected vectors can trigger a short-lived epidemic but with a huge number of cases. These episodes are characterized by a sudden outbreak in a previously virgin area that last from weeks to a few months, and then disappear without leaving vestiges.The hypothesis proposed in this paper to explain those single outbreaks of vector-borne infections, even when total basic reproduction number, R0, is less than one (which explain the fact that those...

Concurrent chikungunya and dengue virus infections during simultaneous outbreaks, Gabon, 2007.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Leroy EM, Nkoghe D, Ollomo B, Nze-Nkogue C, Becquart P, Grard G, Pourrut X, Charrel R, Moureau G, Ndjoyi-Mbiguino A, De-Lamballerie X An outbreak of febrile illness occurred in Gabon in 2007, with 20,000 suspected cases. Chikungunya or dengue-2 virus infections were identified in 321 patients; 8 patients had documented co-infections. Aedes albopictus was identified as the principal vector for the transmission of both viruses. PMID: 19331740 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Mosquito-borne diseases.

Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tolle MA Despite centuries of control efforts, mosquito-borne diseases are flourishing worldwide. With a disproportionate effect on children and adolescents, these conditions are responsible for substantial global morbidity and mortality. Malaria kills more than 1 million children annually, chiefly in sub-Saharan Africa. Dengue virus has expanded its range over the past several decades, following its principal vector, Aedes aegypti, back into regions from which it was eliminated in the mid-20th century and causing widespread epidemics of hemorrhagic fever. West Nile virus has become endemic throughout the Americas in the past 10 years, while chikungunya virus has emerged in the Indian Ocean basin and mainland Asia to affect millions. Japanese encephalitis virus, too, has expan...

Investigations on possible role of MIF gene polymorphism in progression of chikungunya infection into cases of acute flaccid paralysis and chronic arthropathy.

Journal of Genetics — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fulsundar SR, Roy S, Manimunda SP, Singh SS, Sugunan AP, Vijayachari P PMID: 19417556 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Genetics)

Entomo-epidemiological investigations on chikungunya outbreak in the Lakshadweep islands, Indian Ocean.

The Indian Journal of Medical Research — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the routine campaigns need to be organized regularly within the community highlighting the potential breeding grounds of mosquitoes and the possible control methods. Source reduction strategies like destruction of coconut shells and rodent-devoured coconuts by burning or by burying them inside the ground. Ae. albopictus played major role as the vector mosquitoes responsible for the chikungunya transmission. PMID: 19535841 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Indian Journal of Medical Research)

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Clinical profile of chikungunya fever in patients in a tertiary care centre in Maharashtra, India.

The Indian Journal of Medical Research — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that about half of the serum samples for CHIKV IgM antibody tested positive from cases suspected to have chikungunya fever. Fever, joint pain and headache were major symptoms. Certain rare manifestations like lymphodenopathy, oral ulcers and encephalitis were also seen. Mortality in confirmed cases was about 3.4 per cent. PMID: 19535840 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Indian Journal of Medical Research)

Chikungunya infection in children

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:12:52 +0100

Abstract Chikungunya fever is caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIK) and spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The median incubation period is 2 to 4 days. Vertical transmission of disease from mother to child has also been documented. Clinical manifestations are very variable, from asymptomatic illness to severe debilitating disease. Children are among the group at maximum risk for severe manifestations of the disease and some clinical features in this group are distinct from those seen in adults. Common clinical features include: abrupt onset high grade fever, skin rashes, minor hemorrhagic manifestations, arthralgia/ arthritis, lymphadenopathy, conjunctival injection, swelling of eyelids and pharyngitis. Unusual clinical features include: neurological manifestations ...

Clinical profile of Chikungunya in infants

Indian Journal of Pediatrics — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:12:50 +0100

Conclusion An entirely different spectrum of disease is seen in infants with chikungunya as compared to older children who need to be carefully observed for. The morbidity and mortality of the disease may be avoided by the rational use of drugs and close monitoring of all infants. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s12098-009-0045-xAuthors Joseph J. Valamparampil, Government Medical College Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Child Health Kottayam Kerala IndiaShibi Chirakkarot, Government Medical College Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Child Health Kottayam Kerala IndiaS. Letha, Government Medical College Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Child Health Kottayam Kerala IndiaC. Jayakumar, Government Medical College Department ...

Cluster of Chikungunya Virus Infection in Travelers Returning From Senegal, 2006

Journal of Travel Medicine — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

We report a cluster of CHIKV infection among travelers returning from Senegal in 2006. Eight imported cases of dengue-like syndrome with fever, joint pain, and skin manifestations were investigated. (Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)

Chikungunya and the nervous system: what we do and do not know

Reviews in Medical Virology — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:15:59 +0100

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, has recently re-emerged, causing epidemics on Indian Ocean Islands and the Indian subcontinent, and an unexpected outbreak in north-eastern Italy. CHIKV infection was first reported to affect the nervous system in the 1960s; in the early 1970s it was found to be associated with meningoencephalopathy, myelitis, and choroiditis, and animal studies appeared to confirm that CHIKV was neurotropic. Nonetheless, CHIKV has never been considered as a 'true' neurotropic virus. The re-emergence of CHIKV infection in areas with efficient clinical facilities has allowed CHIKV-related neurological disease to be better defined both in adults and children. Encephalopathy appears to represent the most common clinical man...

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Biomarkers Detected For Chikungunya Fever

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:50:53 +0100

Three specific biomarkers provide accurate indication of severity of Chikungunya fever, emerging as threat in South-East Asia, Pacific and Europe, according to research conducted in Singapore. Since biomarkers can be easily detected and measured in blood, this finding could expedite patient identification and monitoring. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Biomarkers detected for Chikungunya fever

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore) Three specific biomarkers provide accurate indication of severity of Chikungunya fever, emerging as threat in South-East Asia, Pacific and Europe, according to research conducted in Singapore. Since biomarkers can be easily detected and measured in blood, this finding could expedite patient identification and monitoring. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Antiviral treatment of chikungunya virus infection.

Infectious Disorders Drug Targets — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: de Lamballerie X, Ninove L, Charrel RN Chikungunya virus is a typical emerging virus which has been responsible for several million cases of human infections since 2004. No antiviral treatment is currently available. The antimalarial chloroquine has been used in the past but recent studies suggest that it is not or poorly active in vivo. A number of tracks are currently under investigation (inhibition of viral enzymes, of virus entry or maturation, enhancement of immunological response) and new animal models have been made available, including a mouse model and a non-human primate model. We review here the main perspectives of chikungunya antiviral treatment. PMID: 19275698 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Infectious Disorders Drug Targets)

Molecular characterization of chikungunya virus from Andhra Pradesh, India.

The Indian Journal of Medical Research — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kar PK, Nagpal BN, Dua VK, Ghosh SK, Raghavendra K, Bhatt RM, Anvikar A, Das A PMID: 19491431 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Indian Journal of Medical Research)

A study on chikungunya outbreak during 2007 in Kerala, south India.

The Indian Journal of Medical Research — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Chikungunya invaded Kerala State for the first time in 2006 and continues to be a major vector borne disease in the State. The clinical symptoms in affected cases highlighted high fever, sever myalgia and prolonged arthralgia, with occasional history of skin itch/rash (petechiae). PMID: 19491425 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Indian Journal of Medical Research)

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Coordinated implementation of chikungunya virus reverse transcription-PCR.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:34:37 +0100

Authors: Panning M, Charrel RN, Mantke OD, Landt O, Niedrig M, Drosten C A preformulated chikungunya virus real-time reverse transcription-PCR, quality-confirmed oligonucleotides, and noninfectious virus controls were distributed by the European Network for the Diagnosis of Imported Viral Diseases. An international proficiency study with 31 participants demonstrated that ad hoc implementation of molecular diagnostics was feasible and successful. PMID: 19239767 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Guillain-Barré syndrome after chikungunya infection.

Emerging Infectious Diseases — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:33:07 +0100

Guillain-Barré syndrome after chikungunya infection. Emerg Infect Dis. 2009 Mar;15(3):495-6 Authors: Lebrun G, Chadda K, Reboux AH, Martinet O, Gaüzère BA PMID: 19239775 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Emerging Infectious Diseases)

Recent advances in tropical medicine.

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Solomon AW, Nayagam S, Pasvol G There have been significant advances in both the classical and neglected tropical diseases, with Guinea worm looking set to be the next disease after smallpox to be eradicated. Aided by a combination of enhanced understanding of the biology of the pathogens, intensification of immunisation activities or mass drug administration, together with the development of synergies with control programmes for co-endemic tropical diseases, polio, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma and onchocerciasis all appear to be in global decline, with good prospects for eventual successful elimination. While the global incidence of new cases of leprosy continues to decrease, the focus of leprosy control efforts has shifted following more widespread recognition that cure of...

The regulation of disassembly of alphavirus cores

Archives of Virology — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:20:27 +0100

Abstract Alphaviruses are used as model viruses for structure determination and for analysis of virus entry. They are used also as vectors for protein expression and gene therapy. Virus particles are assembled by budding, using preformed cores and a modified cellular membrane. During entry, alphaviruses release the viral core into the cytoplasm. Cores are disassembled during virus entry and accumulate in the cytoplasm during virus multiplication. The regulation of core disassembly is the subject of this review. A working model compatible with all experimental data is formulated. This model comprises the following steps: (1) The incoming core is present in the cytoplasm in a metastable state, primed for disassembly. A core structure containing the so-called linker region of...

Transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases.

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Allain JP, Stramer SL, Carneiro-Proietti AB, Martins ML, Lopes da Silva SN, Ribeiro M, Proietti FA, Reesink HW A spectrum of blood-borne infectious agents is transmitted through transfusion of infected blood donated by apparently healthy and asymptomatic blood donors. The diversity of infectious agents includes hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1/2), human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLV-I/II), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Parvovirus B19, West Nile Virus (WNV), Dengue virus, trypanosomiasis, malaria, and variant CJD. Several strategies are implemented to reduce the risk of transmitting these infectious agents by donor exclusion for clinical history of risk factors, screening for the serological markers of infections, and nucleic ...

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NASA study predicted outbreak of deadly virus

West Nile — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:02:40 +0100

EurekAlert (press release), DC - Chikungunya in east Africa and Hantavirus and West Nile virus in the United States, for example, have been linked to conditions of rainfall extremes. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-02/nsfc-nsp021709.php (Source: West Nile)

No evidence of chikungunya virus and antibodies shortly before the outbreak on Sri Lanka

Medical Microbiology and Immunology — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:50:46 +0100

This study determined the prevalence of anti-CHIKV IgG antibodies as well as CHIKV RNA shortly before the outbreak. Two hundred and six human sera were collected from patients with acute febrile illness in 2004/2005. Validated indirect immunofluorescence and real-time RT-PCR assays for dengue as well as CHIKV were employed. Laboratory evidence of dengue virus infection was seen in 67% of patients, indicating virus activity and exposure to Aedes spp. vectors. These vectors are the same as for chikungunya. However, no evidence of acute or previous chikungunya infection could be demonstrated in the same cohort. This study gives formal evidence that the absence of human population immunity correlated with a large chikungunya epidemic. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original Inve...

A case of bilateral presumed chikungunya neuroretinitis

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:19:09 +0100

We report a case of a 48-year-old female patient, who presented with defective vision two weeks after a serology proven chikungunya infection. There was bilateral neuroretinitis with peripapillary cotton wool spots. These findings should be kept in mind as an ocular manifestation of chikungunya virus infection. (Source: Indian Journal of Ophthalmology)

Emerging pathogens and possible threats to blood services

ISBT Science Series — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

New pathogens emerge regularly. These new agents include both bacterial and viral pathogens. Many viral agents have a viremic phase during the course of infection and are transmitted by blood transfusion. New infectious agents provide a major challenge for blood services. The extend and mode of transmission through blood is initially unclear. Serological tests and molecular tools are used to detect infectious donors. A residual risk remains due to the diagnostic window period and sensitivity limits of the tests systems. Some detection systems proved to be extremely helpful, e.g. for HIV, HCV or WNV, but sometimes provide in certain periods of the infection false-negative results due to sensitivity problems or to escape mutants (e.g. Hepatitis B). WNV provides an excellent example, how rapi...