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CHANDIPURA VIRUS INFECTION

17th July, 2024

CHANDIPURA VIRUS INFECTION

Source: INDIANEXPRESS

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • The Gujarat government said that six children have died of suspected Chandipura virus (CHPV) infection in the state since July 10.
  • So far, a total of 12 suspected cases have been reported.

Details

  • Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an arbovirus from the Rhabdoviridae family, first identified in Maharashtra in 1965.
  • It is primarily transmitted by sandflies and can cause severe brain inflammation, leading to rapid progression and high mortality rates, especially in children.

Transmission and Hosts

  • Vectors:Phlebotomine sandflies, Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti.
  • Hosts:Primarily affects children under 15 and can infect domestic animals.

Symptoms

  • Initial flu-like symptoms: fever, body ache, headache
  • Progression to neurological symptoms: altered mental state, seizures, encephalitis
  • Other symptoms: respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, anemia
  • Rapid progression often leads to death within 24-48 hours after hospitalization

Diagnosis

  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
  • ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
  • Virus isolation   

PCR AND ELISA

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a widely used laboratory technique in molecular biology to amplify specific DNA sequences. It was developed by Kary Mullis in 1983. The process involves the following steps:

  • Denaturation: The double-stranded DNA is heated to separate it into two single strands.
  • Annealing: The temperature is lowered to allow primers to attach to the DNA template.
  • Extension: DNA polymerase extends the primers to form a new DNA strand.

PCR is essential for various applications, including genetic research, medical diagnostics, forensic science, and biotechnology. It allows for the detection and analysis of DNA even from small or degraded samples.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is a common laboratory technique used to detect and quantify antigens (proteins, hormones, and antibodies) in a sample. The procedure involves the following steps:

  • Coating: An antigen is immobilized on a solid surface, typically a microplate.
  • Blocking: Non-specific binding sites are blocked with a blocking agent.
  • Binding: A specific antibody is added, which binds to the antigen.
  • Detection: A secondary antibody, conjugated with an enzyme, binds to the primary antibody.
  • Substrate Addition: A substrate is added, which the enzyme converts into a detectable signal, usually a color change.  

ELISA is widely used in diagnostics for diseases, including HIV, and in various research applications to measure the concentration of substances in biological samples. It is valued for its sensitivity, specificity, and versatility.

 

Treatment

  • No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine
  • Supportive care: hydration, electrolyte balance, anticonvulsants, intensive care

Prevention

  • Vector control: reducing sandfly populations
  • Use of insect repellents and protective clothing
  • Public health education

Epidemiology

  • Endemic regions:Central India
  • Notable outbreaks:Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh
  • Recent cases:Six children died in Gujarat in July 2024, with a total of 12 suspected cases.

Affected Regions and Patterns

  • Outbreaks often in rural and tribal areas with higher sandfly populations
  • Increased during monsoon seasons
  • Changes in disease patterns and vector behavior over the years

Arboviruses

  • Arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) are viruses transmitted by arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks.
  • These viruses can cause a range of diseases in humans and animals.

 

Category

Details

Definition

Viruses transmitted by arthropods (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks).

Transmission Vectors

Mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes, Culex), Ticks (e.g., Ixodes), Sandflies, and other arthropods.

Human Diseases

Dengue Fever, Zika Virus, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, West Nile Virus, Japanese Encephalitis.

Symptoms

Fever, headache, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, hemorrhage, encephalitis (varies by virus).

Geographical Spread

Tropical and subtropical regions; some arboviruses are found in temperate zones.

Prevention

Vector control (e.g., mosquito nets, insect repellents), vaccination (for specific viruses), surveillance.

Diagnosis

Serological tests (e.g., ELISA), molecular tests (e.g., PCR), viral culture.

Treatment

Mostly supportive care; antiviral treatments are limited; vaccines available for some (e.g., Yellow Fever).

Notable Arboviruses

Dengue Virus, Zika Virus, Chikungunya Virus, Yellow Fever Virus, West Nile Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus.

 

Global Arbovirus Initiative

Aspect

Details

Objective

To enhance global capacity to detect, prevent, and control arbovirus outbreaks.

Initiating Organization

World Health Organization (WHO).

Key Activities

- Strengthening surveillance systems for early detection.

- Coordinating research efforts to develop vaccines and treatments.

- Enhancing public health response capabilities.

- Promoting vector control strategies.

- Facilitating information sharing and collaboration among countries.

Significance

Addresses the rising threat of arbovirus outbreaks due to factors like climate change and urbanization.

Impact

Aims to reduce the incidence and burden of arbovirus-related diseases globally.

Sandflies

Aspect

Details

Scientific Family

Psychodidae

Subfamily

Phlebotominae

Common Genera

Phlebotomus (Old World), Lutzomyia (New World)

Distribution

Tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean

Habitat

Humid environments; typically found in forested areas, caves, and animal burrows

Behavior

Nocturnal; most active during dawn and dusk

Feeding

Female sandflies feed on blood for egg development; males feed on plant juices

Reproduction

Females lay eggs in moist environments; larvae develop in organic-rich soil

Disease Transmission

Vectors for diseases like leishmaniasis, Chandipura virus, and bartonellosis

Control Measures

Insect repellents, bed nets, environmental management to reduce breeding sites

Rhabdoviridae family

Aspect

Details

Scientific Classification

Family: Rhabdoviridae

Genome

Single-stranded negative-sense RNA

Structure

Enveloped, bullet-shaped or bacilliform virions

Genera

Lyssavirus, Vesiculovirus, Novirhabdovirus, and more

Notable Species

Rabies virus (Lyssavirus), Vesicular stomatitis virus (Vesiculovirus), Chandipura virus (Vesiculovirus)

Hosts

Vertebrates (mammals, fish) and invertebrates (insects)

Transmission

Bites (e.g., rabies), insect vectors (e.g., sandflies for Chandipura virus)

Diseases

Rabies, vesicular stomatitis, encephalitis (e.g., Chandipura virus infection)

Diagnosis

PCR, ELISA, virus isolation

Prevention

Vaccination (e.g., rabies), vector control, protective clothing

 Must Read Article:

RT-PCR

Sources:

INDIANEXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: With reference to the Rhabdoviridae family, consider the following statements:

  1. The Rhabdoviridae family includes viruses that infect animals, plants, and humans.
  2. Rabies virus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family.
  3. All Rhabdoviridae viruses have a segmented genome.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)