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Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines as Early Predictors of Chronic Rheumatologic Disease Following Chikungunya Virus Infection
Alessandro Conforti1, Gabriella Lavalle2, Farbizio Varini3
1Rheumatology Health Care, ASL Roma 4, 00053 Civitavecchia, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|October 16, 2025
Summary
Chikungunya virus infection causes acute inflammation and can lead to chronic arthritis due to persistent cytokine changes. Identifying these biomarkers is key for better treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection causes acute febrile illness and severe polyarthritis.
- Sequelae include chronic rheumatic disease and long-term disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cytokine profiles in acute and chronic CHIKV infection.
- To examine the relationship between cytokine profiles and clinical outcomes, including persistent musculoskeletal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar).
- Inclusion of observational or intervention cohorts with laboratory-confirmed CHIKV patients.
- Narrative synthesis of findings using tabular representation due to assay heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were common in acute CHIKV.
- Chronic CHIKV infection showed persistent elevation of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-17, particularly in patients with prolonged arthralgia.
- Chronic musculoskeletal symptoms occurred in 25-65% of cases, with some lasting over five years.
Conclusions:
- CHIKV infection is marked by acute inflammatory responses and potential persistent cytokine dysregulation.
- This dysregulation is linked to chronic arthritis development.
- Prognostic biomarkers and targeted therapies are crucial for managing CHIKV-associated chronic conditions.
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