CHIKUNGUNYA: THE ENIGMA OF CHRONIC PAIN AND ITS PERSISTENT ECHOES

Abstract

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by several species of Aedes mosquitoes: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (A. albopictus), caused by an alphavirus belonging to the Togaviridae family. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes a disabling musculoskeletal inflammatory disease in humans, characterized by fever, polyarthralgia, myalgia, rash, and headache. Although mortality is low, a high percentage of patients develop a chronic phase defined by arthritis that persists for months or even years. A severe immune response is responsible for joint inflammation. The lack of specific treatment and the lack of a vaccine require detailed studies on its immunopathogenesis to determine the most appropriate target. This scientific review addresses epidemiological, virological, clinical aspects, diagnoses, treatments and control strategies related to chikungunya.