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Chikungunya: From Hypothesis to Evidence of Increased Severe Disease and Fatalities

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Author(s):
Brito, Carlos ; Falcao, Melissa Barreto ; de Albuquerque, Maria de Fatima Pessoa Militao ; Cerqueira-Silva, Thiago ; Teixeira, Maria Gloria ; Franca, Rafael Freitas de Oliveira
Total Authors: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: Viruses-Basel; v. 17, n. 1, p. 16-pg., 2025-01-01.
Abstract

Chikungunya virus infection often manifests as an acute, self-limiting febrile illness, with arthralgia and musculoskeletal symptoms being the most commonly reported. Arthralgia can persist for months or even years, and approximately 50% of cases progress to chronic conditions. However, recent outbreaks have revealed a rising number of severe cases and fatalities. This review examines evidence from the past decade that suggests a higher incidence of severe chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections and increased mortality rates, challenging official reports and guidelines from many countries. The literature review includes case reports, series, and studies with comparison groups to assess whether CHIKV-related mortality is underreported. Evaluating excess mortality involves analyzing consistent findings across different regions, biological plausibility, and systemic manifestations that contribute to severe outcomes. These findings aim to expand disease classifications in international guidelines and raise awareness among healthcare professionals to better identify severe CHIKV cases and related deaths. Studies were identified through PubMed using the search terms "chikungunya", "death", "severe", "pathogenesis", and "pathophysiology". (AU)

FAPESP's process: 24/02373-3 - Application of CRISPR libraries for screening cellular factors associated with arbovirus neuroinfection
Grantee:Rafael Freitas de Oliveira Franca
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants