Chikungunya: A rheumatologist's perspective.

Chikungunya (CHIK), a viral infection, is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It is characterized by a phase of acute infection, which is sometimes followed by chronic rheumatisim in the form of arthralgia or myalgia that can last for months and even years. Several studies have been conducted to understand the mechanisms underlying inflammation associated with CHIK infection, persistence of viruses in monocytes-macrophages, and their relationship to the chronic symptoms. Chronic arthritis is one of the serious complications of CHIK infection, which is characterized by swelling and acute pain that poorly responds to treatment with analgesics. Such debilitating chronic joint pain mimics that of rheumatic arthritis and significantly compromises the quality of life. Diagnosis is primarily based on the initial viral detection using molecular methods or the use of virus culture, and on the basis of an immune response in the later stages. In the absence of published guidelines, physicians are often limited to prescribing analgesics and steroids for symptomatic care, as there is no accurate approach for the treatment and management of pain. This review aims to focus on the need for appropriate guidelines that will aid in developing suitable pharmacologic treatment to manage pain associated with post-CHIK chronic inflammatory rheumatism.