Cytokine profiles in Chikungunya virus-infected patients in Myanmar: a first report

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is endemic in Myanmar and remains an important cause of arboviral febrile illness. However, cytokine responses during CHIKV infection in Myanmar remain poorly characterized. In this study, serum cytokine profiles were analyzed in CHIKV RT-qPCR-positive patients using the Human Cytokine Magnetic 10-Plex Panel. Seven cytokines were detectable, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and GM-CSF. Compared with healthy controls, all detectable cytokines except TNF-α were significantly elevated in CHIKV-infected patients. Cytokine concentrations varied according to patient's viral load and clinical presentation. These findings demonstrate distinct inflammatory and regulatory cytokine responses during CHIKV infection and provide insights into host immune responses in Myanmar CHIKV patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the cytokine responses associated with disease severity and viral burden.