Serological evidence of chikungunya virus infection among suspected measles cases in selected regions of Kenya : 2008-2014
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Date
Authors
Kimata, Yvonne
Borus, Peter
Nzunza, Rosemary
Ofula, Victor
Chepkorir, Edith
Waihenya, Rebecca
Sang, Rosemary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (family Togavirdae and genus Alphavirus) is an emerging and reemerging virus of public health importance both regionally and globally. In Kenya, about 50-60% of the suspected measles cases remain undiagnosed once measles and rubella is ruled out by immunoglobulin M (IgM) ELISA thus prompted the need to do differential diagnosis on the measles/rubella negative samples. Nothing is known about the role played by chikungunya infection among these suspected measles cases. Febrile rash illness is a common clinical presentation of arboviruses, including chikungunya. In this study, we conducted a serosurvey to explore the possible role of chikungunya infections among suspected measles cases in Kenya that had tested negative for measles and rubella. Sera were tested by commercially available ELISA for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against the chikungunya virus. All positive samples for chikungunya by ELISA were confirmed by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), and to rule out cross-reactivity with other alphaviruses a panel of viruses was used, namely o' nyong' nyong, Semliki Forest, and Sindbis viruses. Of the 392 serum samples screened, 0.3% (n = 1) tested positive for IgM antibodies, while 4.6% (n = 18) tested positive for IgG antibodies against the chikungunya virus. PRNT results indicated 2 (11%) chikungunya positives and 7 (38.9%) o' nyong' nyong positives. We recommend awareness among health care providers and improved surveillance for these arboviruses by both serology and molecular testing. Testing for other pathogens should also be done to improve disease detection and diagnosis.
Description
Keywords
Chikungunya virus, Febrile, Illness, Rash, Kenya
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Kimata Y, Borus P, Nzunza R, Ofula V, Chepkorir E, Waihenya R, Sang R. Serological Evidence of Chikungunya Virus Infection Among Suspected Measles Cases in Selected Regions of Kenya: 2008-2014. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2020 Dec;20(12):903-909. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2593.