Mayaro Virus: An Emerging Alphavirus in the Americas

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Lily Li Lin Wei1, Rufaro Tom1, Young Chan Kim2,3

  • 1Somerville College, University of Oxford, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HD, UK.

Viruses
|August 29, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Mayaro virus (MAYV) causes Mayaro fever with symptoms like fever and joint pain. This arbovirus review highlights its growing global threat and the urgent need for better diagnostics and treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Arbovirology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arbovirus first identified in 1954, causing Mayaro fever characterized by fever, rash, myalgia, and arthralgia.
  • While MAYV outbreaks are currently limited to South and Central America, Africa, and imported cases in Europe, its potential for urban transmission poses a growing global concern.
  • Challenges in diagnostics and the absence of specific antivirals or vaccines amplify the global health threat of MAYV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emerging arboviral threat of Mayaro virus (MAYV).
  • To focus on current treatment and vaccine development efforts against MAYV.
  • To emphasize the need for improved diagnostics, antivirals, and vaccines for MAYV prevention and management.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review of existing literature on Mayaro virus.
  • It synthesizes information on MAYV epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and current research.
  • Focus is placed on analyzing challenges and advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and vaccine development.

Main Results:

  • Mayaro fever presents with acute symptoms, with chronic arthralgia being a significant clinical concern.
  • MAYV's potential for urbanization and expanding circulation increases its global health relevance.
  • Current diagnostic and therapeutic options for MAYV are limited, underscoring a critical gap in public health preparedness.

Conclusions:

  • Mayaro virus, despite being historically neglected due to limited transmission areas, represents a significant and growing global health threat.
  • The potential for urban transmission cycles necessitates increased attention and research.
  • Advancements in diagnostics, alongside the development of effective antivirals and vaccines, are crucial for mitigating the impact of potential MAYV outbreaks.
Keywords:
Mayaro virusalphavirusarbovirusarthralgiapublic healthvaccines

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