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Published on: April 27, 2011
Changing clinical scenario in Chandipura virus infection
A B Sudeep1, Y K Gurav1, V P Bondre1
1National Institute of Virology (ICMR), Microbial Containment Complex, Pune, India.
Insights
Chandipura virus (CHPV) causes rapid, fatal neurotropic encephalitis in children. CHPV replication and apoptosis in neuronal cells likely explain the swift disease progression and high mortality rates observed in India.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an emerging neurotropic pathogen causing high mortality, particularly in children.
- Outbreaks in Central India (2003-2004) showed case fatality rates of 56-75%, with rapid deterioration and encephalitic symptoms.
- The precise mechanism of CHPV's rapid action remains largely unknown due to the acute nature of the illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of rapid neurodegeneration caused by Chandipura virus.
- To review current advancements in diagnostics, prophylactics, vaccines, and antivirals for CHPV.
- To highlight the ongoing public health concern posed by CHPV in Central India.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CHPV phosphoprotein expression up to 6 hours post-infection (PI) in neuronal cells.
- Investigation of viral replication and induction of apoptosis in infected neuronal cells.
- Review of studies implicating phlebotomine sandflies as CHPV vectors.
Main Results:
- Increased CHPV phosphoprotein expression was observed up to 6 hours PI, indicating active viral replication.
- Rapid destruction of neuronal cells via apoptosis was identified as a probable mechanism for swift disease progression.
- Phlebotomine sandflies are strongly implicated as vectors due to their presence in endemic areas and transmission capabilities.
Conclusions:
- CHPV replication and subsequent apoptosis in neuronal cells likely contribute to the rapid, fatal neuroencephalitis observed in children.
- Development of candidate vaccines (recombinant, killed) and siRNA therapies targeting viral proteins is underway.
- CHPV remains a significant public health concern in Central India, requiring multidisciplinary attention for containment.
Abstract:
Chandipura virus (CHPV) (Vesiculovirus: Rhabdoviridae) garnered global attention as an emerging neurotropic pathogen inflicting high mortality in children within 24 h of commencement of symptoms. The 2003-2004 outbreaks in Central India witnessed case fatality rates ranging from 56-75 per cent in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat with typical encephalitic symptoms. Due to the acute sickness and rapid deterioration, the precise mechanism of action of the virus is still unknown. Recent studies have shown increased expression of CHPV phosphoprotein upto 6 h post infection (PI) demonstrating CHPV replication in neuronal cells and the rapid destruction of the cells by apoptosis shed light on the probable mechanism of rapid death in children. Phlebotomine sandflies are implicated as vectors due to their predominance in endemic areas, repeated virus isolations and their ability to transmit the virus by transovarial and venereal routes. Significant contributions have been made in the development of diagnostics and prophylactics, vaccines and antivirals. Two candidate vaccines, viz. a recombinant vaccine and a killed vaccine and siRNAs targeting P and M proteins have been developed and are awaiting clinical trials. Rhabdomyosarcoma and Phlebotomus papatasi cell lines as well as embryonated chicken eggs have been found useful in virus isolation and propagation. Despite these advancements, CHPV has been a major concern in Central India and warrants immediate attention from virologists, neurologists, paediatricians and the government for containing the virus.
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