Re-emergence of chikungunya in the Republic of the Congo in 2019 associated with a possible vector-host switch

In January 2019, an outbreak of Chikungunya virus fever was reported in a rural region near Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of this new CHIKV strain demonstrated the presence of the A226  V substitution and a surprisingly close relation with Aedes aegypti-associated Central Africa chikungunya strains. These results, combined with the preponderance of Aedes albopictus in the outbreak area, suggest a recent vector-host switch facilitated by the emergence and spread of the A226 V m utation from a related CHIKV strain previously circulating in Aedes aegypti.
Source: International Journal of Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research