Pcr Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by the bite of an infectious mosquito carrying Togaviridae alphavirus. Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting the infection to human beings, however, this is not the only mode of disease transfer. Since blood-to-blood interaction is vital, the virus can also propagate through maternal-fetal transmission and organ transplantation.

This mosquito-borne disease has the potential to convert into an epidemic quite easily as the spread happens when a mosquito feeds on the host/infected person. Since chikungunya virus infection is highly communicable, it’s important to catch the spread at its early stage.

Patients usually show symptoms within 3-7 days of the mosquito bite. You will require diagnostic testing for chikungunya virus if the signs include: 

• Abrupt outbreak of fever as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Severe joint swelling and pain resulting in difficulty walking or moving
• Persistent headaches spread across several days
• Itchy, red rashes appearing all over the body
• Extreme nausea and fatigue spanning several days 
• Rare development of conjunctivitis in some people

Even though fatality from chikungunya virus infection is rare, the symptoms can last for months, causing extreme discomfort. 

Additionally, chikungunya infection testing is crucial as some people are more at risk of developing severe and prolonged symptoms against others, including:

• Newborns infected around the time of birth.
• Senior citizens of 65 years of age or higher.
• Individuals with existing medical conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.

If a patient starts exhibiting the symptoms, the consulted medical expert will suggest mosquito-borne disease testing. Through the PCR Chikungunya test, a lab technician will acquire the serum of the infected person to test for the presence of antibodies.

Upon the attack of the virus, the body triggers its immune system to develop chikungunya IgM antibodies. These antibodies stay in the system for 3 to 4 months after the chikungunya virus infection. For a comprehensive treatment, the medical professional may require you to go through diagnostic testing for the chikungunya virus several times during the first 10-14 days period. 

There is no cure or antiviral treatment available for chikungunya. The expert may recommend symptom-alleviating medications, including painkillers, to relieve joint pains and body aches after Chikungunya by PCR diagnosis.

However, it is best to incorporate preventative measures to keep yourself safe. 

Below are a few measures you can take to steer clear of the disease and recover better after the Chikungunya Real-Time PCR Test:

• During the first week of illness, it is important to stay indoors to avoid other mosquito bites since the patient's bloodstream carries the virus.
• Getting enough rest and taking proper expert-suggested medication at scheduled hours is a mandate after mosquito-borne disease testing. 
• Consuming healthy minerals and vitamin-rich food help with ailing bodily inflammation and eases pain.
• Adequate hydration aids with faster recovery as it removes bodily toxins easily. 

In addition, regular checkups and timely chikungunya tests provide diagnostic assistance to a doctor for regulating the prescription dosage. 

Apollo 24|7 offers affordable diagnostic testing for the chikungunya virus with accurate and real-time results. With PCR-enabled detection, one can receive highly precise and faster reports about Chikungunya IgM antibody levels as per the doctor's recommendation. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. S V Prashanthi Raju, General Physician/Internal Medicine, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Frequently asked questions

What is PCR Chikungunya test?

The Chikungunya real-time PCR test is based on detecting the disease-causing virus using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on the sample collected. Since the virus replicates quickly, the PCR test helps with early detection of the illness immediately after the onset, i.e., within the first week.

Is chikungunya different from dengue?

Both of the diseases are spread by the Aedes mosquito. However, the illness-causing viruses are different for chikungunya and dengue. Togaviridae alphavirus transmits chikungunya while Flaviviridae flavivirus aids the spread of Dengue fever. Besides, the former takes only 3-7 days while the latter incubates for approx 4-7 weeks to show symptoms.

What is Chikungunya IgM test?

IgM antibodies can be detected after the incubation period of 3 to 7 days post chikungunya test. IgM positive results indicate recent interaction with the virus. These antibodies are formed as a combatting response to the infection in the body after coming in contact with the chikungunya virus post-mosquito-bite.

How long do chikungunya symptoms last?

Most of the chikungunya symptoms start resolving within 3-10 days of treatment and mosquito-borne disease testing. However, the joint pain can persist for a longer duration ranging from months to years. In addition, the aftereffects linger in patients suffering from existing diseases and age-induced illnesses.

Who is the carrier of chikungunya infection?

Chikungunya is spread by interaction with Aedes mosquitoes. These insects carry Togaviridae alphavirus, which transmits by making the contracted person its host. Essentially, the virus disseminates by latching on to a non-chikungunya mosquito feeding on the diseased person.

Can chikungunya spread by touch?

Since chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease, the virus can only transfer through blood. Either through a mosquito bite or by transfusing the infected blood, a healthy person can contract chikungunya. With maternal-fetal transmission, organ transplantation and blood donation can spread the disease from one person to another.