Serological Evidence of Chikungunya Infection in Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria
Bashir Muhammad *
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Biology/Microbiology Unit, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Momodu Idris Babatunde
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Chemistry/Biochemistry Unit, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Umar Adamu Musa
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Biology/Microbiology Unit, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Abdullahi Tanimu Bindawa
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Chemistry/Biochemistry Unit, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Jennifer Johnny
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Biology/Microbiology Unit, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Mu’azzam Hassan Aliyu
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Chemistry/Biochemistry Unit, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Sufyan Chiroma Salihu
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Chemistry/Biochemistry Unit, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Ayuba Isiyaku
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Chemistry/Biochemistry Unit, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Katimu Yusuf
Department of Microbiology, Federal University Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria.
Musa Sale Makeri
Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Chikungunya is a re-emerging arthropod-borne viral disease that displays a large cell organ tropism, and causes a broad range of clinical symptoms in humans. The virus is listed on the WHO blueprint priority pathogens. However, Chikungunya is a neglected tropical disease in Nigeria and has never been investigated in Kaltungo. Chikungunya virus resembles malaria/typhoid fever in clinical syndrome; misdiagnosis is often common among clinicians.
Aim/Objectives: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out aimed at “serological evidence of acute chikungunya virus infection among outpatients with febrile illness attending general hospital Kaltungo, Gombe State Nigeria”.
Materials and Methods: Rapid Test Device (RTD) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to demonstrate the presence of acute infection due to CHIKV. A well-structured pre-tested questionnaire along with the consent forms was used to collect both demographic and clinical information of the study participants.
Results: Sera of 200 consented patients examined, 112(56%) females and 88(44%) males were collected. Chi-square test was used for the analysis. Of the Sera tested, 14(7.0%) and 18(9.0%) were found to be positive for CHIKV IgM antibody using RTD and ELISA, respectively. There were statistical significant associations between gender, age and CHIKV infection (P≤0.05); males had 9(4.5%) IgM while females had 5(2.5%), age group 31-40 years had the highest positivity of 3.5% IgM and was found to be more infected with the virus. IgM antibody was detected higher 16(8.0%) among samples collected from 1-7 days while only 2(1.0%) were obtained on samples collected from 7-10 days. Antimalarial/antibiotic intake and recent travelling had not shown any statistical significant association (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The techniques used in this study revealed the presence of CHIKV IgM antibody among febrile patients evidencing the existence of CHIKV in Kaltungo.
Recommendation: There is need for the inclusion of CHIKV in routine differential diagnosis of febrile patients to avoid misdiagnosis of febrile conditions.
Keywords: Chikungunya, antibody, serological, febrile illness, Kaltungo, Nigeria