Interpretation of testing that aids in the diagnosis of recent infection with Chikungunya virus in patients with recent travel to endemic areas and a compatible clinical syndrome
Only orderable as part of a profile. For more information see CHIKV / Chikungunya IgM and IgG, Antibody, Serum.
Technical Interpretation
Chikungunya
ChikV
Serum
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 30 days | |
Frozen | 30 days |
Interpretation of testing that aids in the diagnosis of recent infection with Chikungunya virus in patients with recent travel to endemic areas and a compatible clinical syndrome
Chikungunya virus (ChikV) is a single-stranded RNA alphavirus and a member of the Togaviridae family of viruses. The name Chikungunya is derived from the language of the Makonde ethnic groups in southeast Africa and means "that which bends" or "stooped walk." This is in reference to the hunched-over appearance of infected individuals due to the characteristically painful and incapacitating arthralgia caused by the virus. ChikV is endemic throughout Africa, India, and, more recently, the Caribbean islands. In 2014, the first case of autochthonous, or local transmission, in the United States occurred in Florida.
Humans are the primary reservoir for ChikV and Aedes species mosquitos are the primary vectors for transmission. Unlike other mosquito-borne viruses, such as West Nile virus and Dengue, the majority of individuals who are exposed to ChikV become symptomatic, with the most severe manifestations observed at the extremes of age and in those with suppressed immunity. Once exposed to ChikV, individuals develop lasting immunity and protection from reinfection.
Prior to development of symptoms, the incubation period ranges, on average, from 3 to 7 days. Infected patients typically present with sudden-onset high fever, incapacitating joint pain, and often a maculopapular rash lasting anywhere from 3 to 10 days. Notably, symptom relapse can occur in some individuals 2 to 3 months following resolution of initial symptoms. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines and treatment is strictly supportive care.
Only orderable as part of a profile. For more information see CHIKV / Chikungunya IgM and IgG, Antibody, Serum.
An interpretive report will be provided.
IgM and IgG Negative:
-No serologic evidence of exposure to Chikungunya virus. Repeat testing on a new specimen collected in 5 to 10 days is recommended if clinical suspicion persists.
IgM and IgG Positive:
-IgM and IgG antibodies to Chikungunya virus detected, suggesting recent or past infection. IgM antibodies to Chikungunya virus may remain detectable for 3 to 4 months post-infection.
IgM Positive, IgG Negative:
-IgM antibodies to Chikungunya virus detected, suggesting recent infection. Repeat testing in 5 to 10 days is recommended to demonstrate anti-Chikungunya virus IgG seroconversion to confirm current infection.
IgM Negative, IgG Positive:
-IgG antibodies to Chikungunya virus detected, suggesting past infection.
IgM and/or IgG Borderline:
-Repeat testing in 10 to 14 days is recommended.
Specimens collected too early following infection may be negative for antibodies to Chikungunya virus. Testing of convalescent serum is recommended.
Chikungunya and Dengue viruses currently co-circulate in endemic areas and infections can present similarly in symptomatic patients. It is therefore recommended to evaluate at-risk patients for infection with both viruses.
Lwande OW, Obanda V, Bucht G, et al. Global emergence of Alphaviruses that cause arthritis in humans. Infect Ecol Epidemiol. 2015;5:29853. doi:10.3402/iee.v5.29853
Automated interpretation of IgM and IgG antibody results for Chikungunya virus.
Bimonthly on the second and forth Wednesday
Not Applicable
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CHIKI | Chikungunya Interpretation | 69048-7 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
CHIKI | Chikungunya Interpretation | 69048-7 |