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Acute Barmah Forest polyarthritis
1Nambour General Hospital, Qld. Australia.
Abstract:
More than 60 arboviruses have been isolated in Australia with the human pathogenicity of the majority yet to be determined. Recent reports outline extensive clinical and sub-clinical infection occurring in Eastern Australia by such agents as Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses. We describe the clinical features of two patients with an acute polyarthritis associated with serological evidence of acute Barmah Forest virus infection to alert physicians to this form of viral polyarthritis and highlight the need to consider this agent when confronted with patients with an acute 'viral-type' polyarthritis in whom serology for Ross River virus is negative.
Insights
Barmah Forest virus can cause acute polyarthritis in humans. Physicians should consider this arbovirus in patients with viral polyarthritis when Ross River virus testing is negative.
Area of Science:
- Arbovirology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Over 60 arboviruses are found in Australia, but their human pathogenicity is often unknown.
- Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus cause significant infections in Eastern Australia.
Observation:
- This study details two patients presenting with acute polyarthritis.
- Both patients showed serological evidence of acute Barmah Forest virus infection.
Findings:
- Barmah Forest virus infection can manifest as acute polyarthritis.
- This presentation is distinct from other viral polyarthritides.
Implications:
- Alerts physicians to a specific presentation of viral polyarthritis.
- Highlights the importance of considering Barmah Forest virus in differential diagnoses.
- Emphasizes the need for specific serological testing when Ross River virus is ruled out.