The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family and is closely related to the Vesiculovirus genus. Read here to know all about it.
It was first identified in 1965 in the Chandipura district of Maharashtra, India.
This virus is known to cause acute encephalitis in humans, primarily affecting children.
History of Chandipura virus
The Chandipura virus was first isolated in 1965 from the blood of two patients in Chandipura village in Maharashtra, India. The patients were experiencing febrile illnesses, and the virus was named after the village where it was first identified.
- The first significant outbreak of Chandipura virus was reported in Andhra Pradesh, India, in 2003. The outbreak resulted in a high fatality rate, particularly among children, with symptoms including high fever, seizures, and encephalitis.
- After the initial outbreak, several other outbreaks have been reported in different parts of India, including Gujarat and Maharashtra. These outbreaks predominantly affect children and have a high mortality rate.
Characteristics of the Chandipura Virus
- Virus Family and Genus: Chandipura virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family and the Vesiculovirus genus.
- Size: It is characterized by bullet-shaped particles, 150-165 nm long, 50-60 nm wide, showing distinct surface projections 9-11 nm in size & a stain-filled canal at the base of the virus particles.
- Genome: It has a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome.
- Transmission: The virus is primarily transmitted through sandfly bites, specifically by species such as Phlebotomus.
Epidemiology
- Geographical Distribution: CHPV is predominantly found in India but cases have also been reported in other parts of Asia and Africa.
- Affected Population: The virus mainly affects children and has been responsible for outbreaks of acute encephalitis in India.
Clinical Presentation
- Symptoms: The disease manifests with sudden onset of high fever, convulsions, altered sensorium, and rapid progression to coma. The mortality rate is high among affected children.
- The Chandipura infection is an encephalitis-causing virus, that leads to brain tissue inflammation or swelling.
- Incubation Period: The incubation period is typically short, ranging from a few hours to a few days.
How is it transmitted?
Chandipura virus is a vector-borne pathogen primarily associated with the Phlebotomine sandfly, particularly the female species.
- Research, including a 2016 paper titled “Changing clinical scenario in Chandipura virus infection” published in The Indian Journal of Medical Research, has identified the Sergentomyia sandflies as a probable vector for this virus.
- The paper also mentions that several mosquito species can replicate and transmit the virus experimentally.
- Among these, Aedes aegypti, also a known dengue vector, has shown a high susceptibility and efficiency in transmitting the virus under laboratory conditions.
- However, as of the publication of the paper, there had been no confirmed isolation of the virus from mosquito vectors in the wild.
- The Chandipura virus is notably active during the early monsoon period when sandfly populations are prevalent.
- This seasonal pattern aligns with the observed increases in virus activity and transmission during these months.
- The disease primarily affects children and can cause acute encephalitic illness, leading to high mortality rates if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Diagnosis
- Laboratory Tests: Diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests including RT-PCR, virus isolation, and serological tests such as ELISA to detect specific antibodies.
Treatment and Prevention
- Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for Chandipura virus infection. Supportive care and symptomatic treatment are the mainstays of management.
- Prevention: Preventive measures include controlling the sandfly population and protecting individuals from sandfly bites using insect repellents, bed nets, and other vector control strategies.
- Breeding sites include holes and crevices in walls, holes in trees, dark rooms, stables and storerooms.
Notable Outbreaks
- 2003-2004 Outbreak: A significant outbreak occurred in parts of central India including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh that caused the deaths of over 300 children.
- 2024: The Chandipura virus is suspected to have spread across multiple districts in Gujarat, and is believed to be the cause of death of at least 15 children as of 18 July.
Way forward
The Chandipura virus poses a serious public health challenge due to its rapid progression and high mortality rate, especially among children.
Continued efforts in vector control, public health awareness, and research are essential to mitigate the impact of this virus.
Understanding the vectors and transmission dynamics of the Chandipura virus is crucial for developing effective public health strategies to control its spread, particularly in endemic regions during peak transmission seasons.
Efforts to monitor and control sandfly populations, along with public health education on preventive measures, are essential components of managing the risk posed by this virus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the vector of the Chandipura virus?
Ans: Sandflies, especially the Phlebotomus papatasi species, act as vectors for the Chandipura virus; these sandflies transfer the virus from an infected host to human beings.
Q. How to treat Chandipura viral infection?
Ans: There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for the Chandipura virus infection, and hence the management focuses on supportive care and preventive measures, the instructions issued by the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH) said. Personal protection measures include the prevention of bite by protective clothing, repellents and nets.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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