Chikungunya Virus-Associated Disease

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection has become increasingly prevalent in the last decade not only across the southern hemisphere but also, because of a recently documented viral mutation, in southern Europe and the USA. With the global spread of CHIKV infection, practitioners should know its epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical features.

The acute phase of CHIKV disease is characterised by a fever-arthralgia-rash syndrome. Chronic rheumatic manifestations can persist for months to years with very variable clinical presentations. Some cases mimic inflammatory rheumatism such as rheumatoid arthritis. Several risk factors for persistent joint pain, notably older age, have been identified in cohort studies. Despite a low mortality rate with CHIKV infection, the rate of disability with chronic joint symptoms is high, and effective treatments are lacking. Current research is focusing on the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs, and data on treatment of CHIKV-induced chronic arthritis are needed.