Autor(es): Taubitz Winfried, Cramer Jakob P, Kapaun Anette, Pfeffer Martin, Drosten Christian, Dobler Gerhard, Burchard Gerd D, Löscher Thomas

Resumo: An outbreak of chikungunya virus infection emerged in the southwest Indian Ocean isl-s in 2005, spread out to India, - resulted in an ongoing outbreak that has involved >1.5 million patients, including travelers who have visited these areas. Our study investigated 69 travelers who developed signs - symptoms compatible with chikungunya fever after returning home from countries involved in the epidemic. Twenty cases of infection that were confirmed by serological analysis, polymerase chain reaction, -/or cell culture were investigated. All patients experienced flulike symptoms with fever - joint pain. No serious complications were observed, but 69% of the patients had persistent arthralgia for >2 months, - 13% had it for >6 months. Viral RNA could be detected in blood samples using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in 4 of 4 patients who presented to a health care facility during their first week of illness, - the virus was successfully isolated from blood samples obtained from 2 of these patients. Chikungunya virus-specific immunoglobulin M -/or immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected in all patients. However, initial testing of serum samples yielded negative results for 3 of 5 patients during the first week. Chikungunya fever must be considered in travelers who develop fever - arthritis after traveling to areas affected by an ongoing epidemic. Related arthritis mainly affects smaller joints - often persists for extended periods. Serological testing may have negative results during the first week of the disease; diagnosis using polymerase chain reaction appears to be more reliable during this time. Travelers to areas of epidemicity should be informed of the risk of infection - of adequate preventive measures, such as protection against mosquitos.

Imprenta: Clinical Infectious Diseases, v. 45, n. 1, p. e1-e4, 2007

Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1086/518701

Descritores: Chikungunya virus - Cell ; Chikungunya virus - Pathogenesis ; Chikungunya virus - RNA ; Chikungunya virus - Antibodies ; Chikungunya virus - Infectious diseases ; Chikungunya virus - Viral infections ; Chikungunya virus - RT-PCR ; Chikungunya virus - Serological diagnosis ; Chikungunya Virus - Virus ; Chikungunya virus - Chikungunya fever ; Chikungunya virus - Epidemic ; Chikungunya virus - Immunology

Data de publicação: 2007

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