scholarly journals Increased number of cases of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection imported from the Caribbean and Central America to northern Italy, 2014

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (9) ◽  
pp. 1912-1916 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. ROSSINI ◽  
P. GAIBANI ◽  
C. VOCALE ◽  
A. C. FINARELLI ◽  
M. P. LANDINI
Keyword(s):  
Central America ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Chikv Infection ◽  
Imported Cases ◽  
Emilia Romagna Region ◽  
Vector Activity ◽  
The Caribbean

SUMMARYThis report describes an increased number of cases of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection imported in northern Italy (Emilia-Romagna region) during the period May–September 2014, indicating that the recent spread of CHIKV and its establishment in the Caribbean and in central America, resulted in a high number of imported cases in Europe, thus representing a threat to public health. From May to September 2014, 14 imported cases of CHIKV infection were diagnosed; the patients were returning to Italy from Dominican Republic (n = 6), Haiti (n = 3), Guadeloupe (n = 2), Martinique (n = 1), Puerto Rico (n = 1) and Venezuela (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis performed on the envelope protein (E1) gene sequences, obtained from plasma samples from two patients, indicated that the virus strain belongs to the Caribbean clade of the Asian genotype currently circulating in the Caribbean and Americas. The rise in the number of imported cases of CHIKV infection should increase healthcare professionals' awareness of the epidemiological situation and clinical presentation of CHIKV infection in order to enhance surveillance and early diagnosis in the forthcoming season of vector activity in Europe and North America.

Serological Responses in Patients Infected with Mayaro Virus and Evaluation of Cross-Protective Responses against Chikungunya Virus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathen E. Bopp ◽  
Kara J. Jencks ◽  
Crystyan Siles ◽  
Carolina Guevara ◽  
Stalin Vilcarromero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
South America ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Close Relative ◽  
Previous Exposure ◽  
Chikv Infection ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Mayaro Virus

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an alphavirus endemic to both Latin America and the Caribbean. Recent reports have questioned the ability of MAYV and its close relative, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), to generate cross-reactive, neutralizing antibodies to one another. Since CHIKV was introduced to South America in 2013, discerning whether individuals have cross-reactive antibodies or whether they have had exposures to both viruses previously has been difficult. Using samples obtained from people infected with MAYV prior to the introduction of CHIKV in the Americas, we performed neutralizing assays and observed no discernable neutralization of CHIKV by sera from patients previously infected with MAYV. These data suggest that a positive CHIKV neutralization test cannot be attributed to prior exposure to MAYV and that previous exposure to MAYV may not be protective against a subsequent CHIKV infection.

scholarly journals First Imported Case of Chikungunya Virus Infection in a Travelling Canadian Returning from the Caribbean

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Christian Therrien ◽  
Guillaume Jourdan ◽  
Kimberly Holloway ◽  
Cécile Tremblay ◽  
Michael A. Drebot
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Clinical Feature ◽  
Chikv Infection ◽  
Imported Case ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Hands And Feet

This is the first Canadian case of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection reported in a traveller returning from the Caribbean. Following multiple mosquito bites in Martinique Island in January 2014, the patient presented with high fever, headaches, arthralgia on both hands and feet, and a rash on the trunk upon his return to Canada. Initial serological testing for dengue virus infection was negative. Support therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was administered. The symptoms gradually improved 4 weeks after onset with residual arthralgia and morning joint stiffness. This clinical feature prompted the clinician to request CHIKV virus serology which was found to be positive for the presence of IgM and neutralizing antibodies. In 2014, over four hundred confirmed CHIKV infection cases were diagnosed in Canadian travellers returning from the Caribbean and Central America. Clinical suspicion of CHIKV or dengue virus infections should be considered in febrile patients with arthralgia returning from the recently CHIKV endemic countries of the Americas.

scholarly journals Chikungunya virus in Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-88
Author(s):  
Herman Bami ◽  
Jason L Elzinga
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Disease Course ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Chikv Infection ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Global Health Education ◽  
Canadian Patient

This article presents a previously reported case involving the first Canadian patient to acquire Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection after travelling to a newly endemic region in the Americas. The specific history and clinical presentation of this patient is examined, including the treatment and complete resolution of the patient’s symptoms. A brief overview of the general disease course and diagnosis of CHIKV is provided. This case emphasizes the importance of global health education in Canadian medical curricula. The current standards of global health education in Canadian medical schools are briefly reviewed and recommendations based on expert opinions are provided. Although such programs exist, their implementation was found to be variable between schools and increased attention and standardization is currently required.

scholarly journals Importance of case definition to monitor ongoing outbreak of chikungunya virus on a background of actively circulating dengue virus, St Martin, December 2013 to January 2014

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Omarjee ◽  
C M Prat ◽  
O Flusin ◽  
S Boucau ◽  
B Tenebray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Denv Infection ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Chikv Infection ◽  
Saint Martin ◽  
The Caribbean

Since 5 December 2013, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has been demonstrated to circulate in the Caribbean, particularly on Saint Martin. This region is facing a concomitant dengue virus (DENV) outbreak. Of 1,502 suspected chikungunya cases, 38% were confirmed chikungunya and 4% confirmed dengue cases, with three circulating serotypes. We report in addition 2.8% CHIKV and DENV co-infections. This study highlights the importance of the case definition for clinicians to efficiently discriminate between DENV infection and CHIKV infection.

scholarly journals Caribbean and La Réunion Chikungunya Virus Isolates Differ in Their Capacity To Induce Proinflammatory Th1 and NK Cell Responses and Acute Joint Pathology

2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (15) ◽  
pp. 7955-7969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teck-Hui Teo ◽  
Zhisheng Her ◽  
Jeslin J. L. Tan ◽  
Fok-Moon Lum ◽  
Wendy W. L. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Gene Expression Profiles ◽  
La Réunion ◽  
Chikv Infection ◽  
Th1 Response ◽  
Joint Pathology ◽  
The Caribbean

ABSTRACTChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne arthralgic alphavirus that has garnered international attention as an important emerging pathogen since 2005. More recently, it invaded the Caribbean islands and the Western Hemisphere. Intriguingly, the current CHIKV outbreak in the Caribbean is caused by the Asian CHIKV genotype, which differs from the La Réunion LR2006 OPY1 isolate belonging to the Indian Ocean lineage. Here, we adopted a systematic and comparative approach against LR2006 OPY1 to characterize the pathogenicity of the Caribbean CNR20235 isolate and consequential host immune responses in mice.Ex vivoinfection using primary mouse tail fibroblasts revealed a weaker replication efficiency by CNR20235 isolate. In the CHIKV mouse model, CNR20235 infection induced an enervated joint pathology characterized by moderate edema and swelling, independent of mononuclear cell infiltration. Based on systemic cytokine analysis, localized immunophenotyping, and gene expression profiles in the popliteal lymph node and inflamed joints, two pathogenic phases were defined for CHIKV infection: early acute (2 to 3 days postinfection [dpi]) and late acute (6 to 8 dpi). Reduced joint pathology during early acute phase of CNR20235 infection was associated with a weaker proinflammatory Th1 response and natural killer (NK) cell activity. The pathological role of NK cells was further demonstrated as depletion of NK cells reduced joint pathology in LR2006 OPY1. Taken together, this study provides evidence that the Caribbean CNR20235 isolate has an enfeebled replication and induces a less pathogenic response in the mammalian host.IMPORTANCEThe introduction of CHIKV in the Americas has heightened the risk of large-scale outbreaks due to the close proximity between the United States and the Caribbean. The immunopathogenicity of the circulating Caribbean CHIKV isolate was explored, where it was demonstrated to exhibit reduced infectivity resulting in a weakened joint pathology. Analysis of serum cytokine levels, localized immunophenotyping, and gene expression profiles in the organs revealed that a limited Th1 response and reduced NK cells activity could underlie the reduced pathology in the host. Interestingly, higher asymptomatic infections were observed in the Caribbean compared to the La Réunion outbreaks in 2005 and 2006. This is the first study that showed an association between key proinflammatory factors and pathology-mediating leukocytes with a less severe pathological outcome in Caribbean CHIKV infection. Given the limited information regarding the sequela of Caribbean CHIKV infection, our study is timely and will aid the understanding of this increasingly important disease.

scholarly journals Travelers with Chikungunya Virus Infection Returning to Northwest Italy from the Caribbean and Central America during June–November 2014

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 341-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Burdino ◽  
Tina Ruggiero ◽  
Maria Grazia Milia ◽  
Alex Proietti ◽  
Giuseppina Sergi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Central America ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
The Caribbean

scholarly journals Zika virus, a new threat for Europe?

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henri Jupille ◽  
Goncalo Seixas ◽  
Laurence Mousson ◽  
Carla A. Sousa ◽  
Anna-Bella Failloux
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Transmission Rates ◽  
Experimental Infections ◽  
Imported Cases ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Light:Dark Cycle ◽  
Lower Population ◽  
Mosquito Females ◽  
Local Transmission

AbstractBackground:Since its emergence in 2007 in Micronesia and Polynesia, the arthropod-borne flavivirus Zika virus (ZIKV) has spread in the Americas and the Caribbean, following first detection in Brazil in May 2015. The risk of ZIKV emergence in Europe increases as imported cases are repeatedly reported. Together with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and dengue virus (DENV), ZIKV is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Any countries where these mosquitoes are present could be potential sites for future ZIKV outbreak.Methodology/Principal Findings:Mosquito females were challenged with an Asian genotype of ZIKV. Fully engorged mosquitoes were then maintained in insectary conditions (28°±1°C, 16h:8h light:dark cycle and 80% humidity). 16-24 mosquitoes from each population were examined at 3, 6, 9 and 14 days postinfection to estimate the infection, disseminated infection and transmission rates. Based on these experimental infections, we demonstrated that Ae. albopictus from France were not very susceptible to ZIKV.Conclusions/Significance:In combination with the restricted distribution and lower population densities of European Ae. albopictus, our results corroborate the low risk for ZIKV to expand into most parts of Europe with the possible exception of the warmest regions bordering the Mediterranean coastline.Author summaryIn May 2015, local transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) was reported in Brazil and since then, more than 1.5 million human cases have been reported in Latin America and the Caribbean. This arbovirus, primarily found in Africa and Asia, is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Viremic travelers returning from America to European countries where Ae. albopictus is established can become the source for local transmission of ZIKV. In order to estimate the risk of seeding ZIKV into local mosquito populations, the ability of European Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to transmit ZIKV was measured using experimental infections. We demonstrated that Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti from Europe were not very susceptible to ZIKV. The threat for a Zika outbreak in Europe should be limited.

scholarly journals Cases of chikungunya virus infection in travellers returning to Spain from Haiti or Dominican Republic, April-June 2014

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (28) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Requena-Méndez ◽  
C García ◽  
E Aldasoro ◽  
J A Vicente ◽  
M J Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Central America ◽  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Southern Europe ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Autochthonous Transmission

Ten cases of chikungunya were diagnosed in Spanish travellers returning from Haiti (n=2), the Dominican Republic (n=7) or from both countries (n=1) between April and June 2014. These cases remind clinicians to consider chikungunya in European travellers presenting with febrile illness and arthralgia, who are returning from the Caribbean region and Central America, particularly from Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The presence of Aedes albopictus together with viraemic patients could potentially lead to autochthonous transmission of chikungunya virus in southern Europe.

scholarly journals Chikungunya - a serious threat for public health

2015 ◽  
Vol 68 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 122-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic ◽  
Dejan Cvjetkovic ◽  
Aleksandra Patic ◽  
Natasa Nikolic ◽  
Sandra Stefan-Mikic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Central African Republic ◽  
Fatal Outcome ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Limited Disease ◽  
Emilia Romagna Region ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Epidemiologic Features ◽  
Local Transmission

Introduction. Chikungunya is a contagious disease caused by Chikungunya virus, an arbovirus from the Togaviridae family. This infection is mostly spread by mosquitoes from the genus Aedes, especially Aedes albopictus, which have spread from Asia to America and Europe including some countries surrounding Serbia. Epidemiologic Features. The outbreak of epidemics has been reported in Philippines, Sumatra, Java, Indonesia, West Africa region (from Senegal to Cameroon), Congo, Nigeria, Angola, Uganda, Guinea, Malawi, Central African Republic, Burundi, South Africa and India. At the beginning of the 21st century, large outbreaks were recorded on the island of R?union. During 2006, 1.400.000 cases of chikungunya infection were recorded in India. Local transmission of infection in continental Europe was reported from Northeast Italy (254 suspected and 78 laboratory confirmed cases in Emilia-Romagna region) and France (two cases in 2010). From December 2013 to June 2014, 5.294 confirmed cases and more than 180.000 suspected cases of chikungunya were reported in the Caribbean. Clinical Findings. The disease presents suddenly with fever, rush and arthralgia. In general, chikungunya is a mild self - limited disease. Less often, it may be presented with signs of meningoencephalitis or fulminant hepatitis, sometimes with fatal outcome. Conclusion. Fast developing international traffic and booming tourism as well as the vector spreading from its homeland make chikungunya a real threat to our country.

scholarly journals Increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome during a Chikungunya outbreak, French Polynesia, 2014 to 2015

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (48) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwan Oehler ◽  
Emmanuel Fournier ◽  
Isabelle Leparc-Goffart ◽  
Philippe Larre ◽  
Stéphanie Cubizolle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Deficit ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Guillain Barre Syndrome ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chikv Infection ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Guillain Barré Syndrome ◽  
Guillain Barré

During the recent chikungunya fever outbreak in French Polynesia in October 2014 to March 2015, we observed an abnormally high number of patients with neurological deficit. Clinical presentation and complementary exams were suggestive of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) for nine patients. All nine had a recent dengue-like syndrome and tested positive for chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in serology or RT-PCR. GBS incidence was increased four- to nine-fold during this period, suggesting a link to CHIKV infection.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document