Congenital Chikungunya Virus Infections

Abstract

Structure: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, classified in the genus alphavirus in the family Togaviridae. Clinical presentation: Perinatal/neonatal infections are rare, but some infants can develop fever, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, pigmentary changes, and a maculopapular rash. The neurocognitive outcome of some infants with vertically transmitted mother-to-child perinatal infections and CHIKV neonatal encephalopathy can be poor. Diagnosis:The diagnosis of CHIKV infections can be confirmed by the detection of chikungunya viral RNA via real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or specific immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG serology. Treatment: Currently, no specific antiviral treatment(s) are available for CHIKV, and management is limited to supportive care by maintaining adequate intravascular volume by intravenous fluids and oral rehydration. Infants exposed in utero or during the perinatal period need to be monitored for adverse neurocognitive outcomes.

Editorial

“…In two separate articles, Singh et al 46 and Ethawi et al 47 have reviewed perinatal infections by Chikungunya and Zika viruses. Chikungunya virus is widely transmitted in tropical and subtropical areas by Aedes mosquito vectors.…”