Leukemoid Reaction in Chikungunya Fever

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hematology
• Virology

Background:

• Chikungunya is an arboviral illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, characterized by fever and polyarthralgia.
• Viral infections typically cause leukopenia, while bacterial infections lead to leukocytosis.
• Leukemoid Reaction (LR) is a significant increase in leukocyte count (>50,000/cu mm) with mature leukocytes.

Observation:

• A patient presented with high-grade fever and symmetrical polyarthritis.
• Peripheral blood analysis revealed a Leukemoid Reaction.
• Extensive workup was conducted to determine the underlying cause.

Findings:

• Leukemoid Reaction (LR) is a rare finding in Chikungunya infections.
• This case represents the first documented instance of LR in a Chikungunya patient.
• The patient was diagnosed with Chikungunya after thorough investigation.

Implications:

• This finding expands the spectrum of hematological manifestations associated with Chikungunya.
• It suggests that Leukemoid Reaction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Chikungunya with severe leukocytosis.
• Further research is warranted to understand the pathophysiology and clinical significance of LR in Chikungunya.