Autor(es): Demanou Maurice, Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe, Ngapana Emmanuel, Rousset Dominique, Paupy Christophe, Manuguerra Jean-Claude, Zeller Hervé

Resumo: Although arboviral infections including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are common in sub-Saharan Africa, data on their circulation - prevalence are poorly documented. In 2006, more than 400 cases of dengue-like fever were reported in Kumbo (Northwest Region of Cameroon). The aim of this study was to identify the aetiology of this fever - to define its extent in the area. We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey one year after clinical investigations to define the extent of the infection. An entomological survey consisted of the collection - identification of mosquito immature stages in water containers in or around human dwellings. A total of 105 sera were obtained from volunteers - tested for CHIKV, O'Nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) - Dengue virus (DENV) specific IgM - IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). CHIKV infection was defined as the presence of IgM antibodies to CHIKV. There was serological evidence for recent Chikungunya infection, as 54 subjects (51.4%) had detectable IgM anti-CHIKV in their sera. Amongst these, 52 showed both anti-CHIKV IgM - IgG, - 2 (1.9%) had IgM anti-CHIKV in the absence of IgG. Isolated anti-CHIKV IgG positives were detected in 41 (39%) cases. No anti-ONNV - anti-DENV IgM antibodies were found amongst the sample tested. Out of 305 larvae collected in the different breeding sites, 87 developed to the adult stage; 56 (64.4%) were Aedes africanus - the remaining Culex spp. These findings suggest that the outbreak of febrile illness reported in three villages of Western Cameroon was due to CHIKV. The issue of a possible persistence of anti-CHIKV IgM antibodies is discussed. Ae. africanus which was found to be relatively abundant among the raffia palm bushes probably plays a role in the transmission of CHIKV along the chain of sylvatic/domestic mosquito species in this rural area. Particular attention should therefore be given to arbovirus infections in the Central African sub-region where these infections are becoming an emerging public health threat.

Imprenta: BMC Research Notes, p. 3-128, 2010

Identificador do objeto digital: 10.1186/1756-0500-3-128

Descritores: Chikungunya virus - Arbovirus ; Chikungunya virus - Antibodies ; Chikungunya Virus - Virus ; Chikungunya virus - Transmission ; Chikungunya virus - Chikungunya fever ; Chikungunya virus - Dengue ; Chikungunya virus - Public health

Data de publicação: 2010