Chikungunya Infection – Past to Future

Publication date: Available online 18 April 2019Source: Current Medicine Research and PracticeAuthor(s): Sairam Bashyam, Atul Gogia, Atul Kakar, S.P. ByotraAbstractChikungunya virus is an arthitogenic virus belonging to Alphaviridae group. The virus usually circulates in a sylvatic cycle between mammalian primates and Aedes mosquito. Outbreaks occur when mosquito bites and infects human. From the first outbreak in early 1950s in Tanzania to the recent outbreak in New Delhi in 2016 a lot has been learnt about this virus. Outbreaks in the later part of 20th century and the 21st century have proven that the virus not only causes debilitating joint pains but also so many systemic features, which were previously not recognized. The recent outbreak in New Delhi even lead to mortality that was confirmed by several other studies in the recent past in different parts of the world. Just like the virus, science in this field has also evolved much after the Tanzania outbreak. Now we have the enzyme linked immunosorbent assays and polymerase chain reactions to detect this virus in blood. These modalities are quicker and more sensitive and specific. In recent times, physicians have started using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs to treat joint pains. Several studies have come up to establish a proper protocol for treatment of the chronic joint pains, which is still the most common complication of this disease. Here in this review we have talke...
Source: Current Medicine Research and Practice - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research