Autor(es): Kumar Narendran Pradeep,Suresh Abidha,Vanamail Perumal,Sabesan Shanmugavelu,Krishnamoorthy Kalianna Gounder,Mathew Jacob,Jose Varakilparambil Thomas,Jambulingam Purushothaman

Resumo: India was affected by a major outbreak of chikungunya fever caused by Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) during 2006-2007. Kerala was the worst affected state during 2007 with a contribution of 55.8% suspected cases in the country. However, except for clinically reported case records, no systematic information is available on infection status of CHIKV in the region. Hence, we carried out a post-epidemic survey to estimate seroprevalence status [immunoglobulin G (IgG)] in the community using commercially available indirect immunofluorescence test. This methodology had been reported to be highly specific - sensitive for CHIKV infection. The study area selected was the worst affected mid-highl-s region of Kerala which harbour vast area of rubber plantations. The study evidenced 68% of the population to be seropositive for CHIKV IgG. Males were found more affected than females (?2 = 9.86; p = 0.002). Among males, prevalence was significantly higher in the age classes 21-30 (?2 = 5.46; p = 0.019) - 31-40 (?2 = 5.84; p = 0.016) years. This may be due to high occupational risk of the male population engaged in plantation activities exposed to infective bites of Aedes albopictus. The current study provides an insight into the magnitude of CHIKV outbreak in Kerala.

Palavras-Chave: Chikungunya virus; serosurveillance; India; rubber plantation; Kerala; Aedes albopictus

Imprenta: Memo?rias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, v. 106, n. 8, p. 912-916, 2011

Identificador do Objeto Digital: 10.1590/S0074-02762011000800003 

Descritores: Chikungunya virus - Pathogenesis ; Chikungunya virus - Proteins ; Chikungunya virus - Antibodies ; Chikungunya virus - Viral infections ; Chikungunya Virus - Virus ; Chikungunya virus - Chikungunya fever ; Chikungunya virus - Epidemic ; Chikungunya virus - Epidemiology ; Chikungunya virus - Immunology ; Chikungunya virus - Public health

Data de Publicação: 2011