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Multiplexed Isothermal Amplification Based Diagnostic Platform to Detect Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue 1
Published on: March 13, 2018
Chikungunya virus of Asian and Central/East African genotypes in Malaysia
I-Ching Sam1, Yoke Fun Chan, Shie Yien Chan
1Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. jicsam@um.edu.my
Background:
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) of the Central/East African genotype has caused large outbreaks worldwide in recent years. In Malaysia, limited CHIKV outbreaks of the endemic Asian and imported Central/East African genotypes were reported in 1998 and 2006. Since April 2008, an unprecedented nationwide outbreak has affected Malaysia.
Objective:
To study the molecular epidemiology of the current Malaysian CHIKV outbreak, and to evaluate cross-neutralisation activity of serum from infected patients against isolates of Asian and Central/East African genotypes.
Study Design:
Serum samples were collected from 83 patients presenting in 2008, and tested with PCR for the E1 gene, virus isolation, and for IgM. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on partial E1 gene sequences of 837bp length. Convalescent serum from the current outbreak and Bagan Panchor outbreak (Asian genotype, 2006) were tested for cross-neutralising activity against representative strains from each outbreak.
Results:
CHIKV was confirmed in 34 patients (41.0%). The current outbreak strain has the A226V mutation in the E1 structural protein, and grouped with Central/East African isolates from recent global outbreaks. Serum cross-neutralisation activity against both Central/East African and Asian genotypes was observed at titres from 40 to 1280.
Conclusions:
The CHIKV strain causing the largest Malaysian outbreak is of the Central/East African genotype. The presence of the A226V mutation, which enhances transmissibility of CHIKV by Aedes albopictus, may explain the extensive spread especially in rural areas. Serum cross-neutralisation of different genotypes may aid potential vaccines and limit the effect of future outbreaks.
Insights
The 2008 Malaysian Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreak was caused by the Central/East African genotype, featuring the A226V mutation. This mutation likely explains the extensive spread, and cross-neutralization suggests potential for vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks, particularly those of the Central/East African genotype, have occurred globally.
- Malaysia experienced limited CHIKV outbreaks in 1998 and 2006, involving Asian and Central/East African genotypes.
- An unprecedented nationwide CHIKV outbreak began in Malaysia in April 2008.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of the 2008 Malaysian CHIKV outbreak.
- To assess the cross-neutralization activity of patient serum against different CHIKV genotypes.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of the E1 gene from 83 patient samples (837bp).
- PCR, virus isolation, and IgM testing were performed on patient serum.
- Cross-neutralization assays using convalescent serum from the 2008 and 2006 outbreaks.
Main Results:
- CHIKV was confirmed in 34 (41.0%) patients.
- The 2008 outbreak strain possessed the A226V mutation in the E1 protein and clustered with Central/East African isolates.
- Serum demonstrated cross-neutralization activity against both Central/East African and Asian genotypes (titers 40-1280).
Conclusions:
- The 2008 Malaysian CHIKV outbreak was driven by the Central/East African genotype.
- The A226V mutation likely enhanced CHIKV transmissibility by Aedes albopictus, contributing to widespread rural transmission.
- Observed cross-neutralization suggests potential for vaccine development to mitigate future CHIKV outbreaks.
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