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Chikungunya Fever and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
José Kennedy Amaral1, Robert Taylor Schoen2, Michael E Weinblatt3
1Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Cariri, 284 Divino Salvador Street, Barbalha 63090-000, Ceará, Brazil.
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
|February 25, 2025
Summary
Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) can lead to chronic arthritis resembling rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review found a significant 13.7% incidence of RA following CHIKF, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chikungunya fever (CHIKF), caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV), is re-emerging globally.
- CHIKV infection can lead to chronic chikungunya arthritis, clinically similar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- The precise relationship and immunological links between CHIKV infection and RA development require comprehensive analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically analyze the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) following chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection.
- To investigate the potential immunological mechanisms linking CHIKV infection to RA.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on CHIKV-induced RA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searches conducted across multiple databases up to September 3, 2024.
- Inclusion of retrospective and prospective studies reporting RA diagnoses post-CHIKV infection; data extraction and risk of bias assessment performed.
Main Results:
- Sixteen studies comprising 2879 patients were analyzed.
- A combined incidence of 13.7% (95% CI: 6.12% to 27.87%) for RA diagnosis after CHIKV infection was observed in 449 individuals.
- High heterogeneity (I² = 96%) was noted, suggesting variability in diagnostic criteria and populations.
Conclusions:
- CHIKV infection is associated with a significant incidence of RA.
- Further research is crucial for understanding autoimmune mechanisms, establishing long-term rheumatological follow-up protocols, identifying early diagnostic biomarkers, and assessing CHIKV's long-term health consequences.
