CHALLENGES AND ADVANCES IN MANAGING CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON EPIDEMIOLOGY, TREATMENT AND VACCINES

Abstract

Objective: This article reviews the literature on Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), focusing on epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and vaccine development. The aim is to consolidate current information on disease management and explore future perspectives for its control and prevention. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Scielo. Search terms included “Chikungunya virus,” “treatment of Chikungunya,” and “Chikungunya vaccine.” Peer-reviewed articles published between 2004 and 2024, addressing epidemiology, treatment, and vaccine development for CHIKV, were selected. Out-of-scope studies were excluded. Data analysis involved extracting and synthesizing key information to identify trends and research gaps. Results: The review revealed that CHIKV treatment is symptomatic, varying according to the disease phase: acute, subacute, or chronic. The VLA1553 vaccine, a live attenuated vaccine, demonstrated high efficacy in inducing protective antibodies and a safety profile comparable to licensed vaccines. Conclusion: Chikungunya virus remains a significant public health challenge, especially in Brazil. The VLA1553 vaccine offers a promising solution for prevention, though implementation requires overcoming logistical challenges. Continuous surveillance and further research are crucial to validate the vaccine’s long-term efficacy and safety. Rigorous vector control measures and epidemiological surveillance are essential to prevent outbreaks and mitigate the disease's impact.