Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Isolation and Quantification of Zika Virus from Multiple Organs in a Mouse
10:31

Isolation and Quantification of Zika Virus from Multiple Organs in a Mouse

Published on: August 15, 2019

[Physiopathology of chronic arthritis following chikungunya infection in man]

M C Jaffar-Bandjee1, P Gasque

  • 1Laboratoire de microbiologie, CHR de La Réunion, site Centre hospitalier Félix Guyon, 97405 Saint-Denis, Réunion. christine.jaffarbandjee@chr-reunion.fr

Medecine Tropicale : Revue Du Corps De Sante Colonial
|June 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Chikungunya infection can cause chronic arthritis. Persistently high Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) levels in patients with chronic chikungunya arthritis indicate their role in disease persistence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Context:

  • Chikungunya virus infection often leads to chronic arthritis with no specific treatment.
  • Fibroblasts and myoblasts are identified as key target cells for viral replication.
  • Macrophages are crucial in the innate immune response, releasing cytokines and chemokines.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the immune response and cellular mechanisms underlying chronic arthritis post-chikungunya infection.
  • To identify biomarkers associated with persistent joint inflammation.

Summary:

  • While acute chikungunya shows transient increases in Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and Interleukin-12 (IL-12), chronic arthritis patients exhibit persistently elevated IL-12 and Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
  • Macrophages laden with chikungunya virus contribute to synovial inflammation.
  • Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) exacerbates tissue damage, and the virus induces apoptosis via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

Impact:

  • Identifies persistently high IL-12 and IFN-α levels as potential indicators for chronic chikungunya arthritis.
  • Highlights the role of macrophages and MMP2 in chikungunya-induced joint pathology.
  • Provides insights into viral pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for chikungunya arthritis.

Related Concept Videos

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction01:12

Chronic Inflammation: Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...