Beyond the Bite: Detailed findings on Chikungunya and Dengue co-detection in Punjab, North India - clinical insights and diagnostic challenges.

OBJECTIVES

The co-circulation of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Dengue virus (DENV) in India poses a challenge for the diagnosing clinician, as they share similar clinical signs and symptoms and geographical distribution. Both arthropod-borne viruses are maintained in the environment by the Aedes mosquito, commonly found in tropical countries including India. Here we aim to investigate the clinical and laboratory aspects of Chikungunya/Dengue suspected cases in Punjab, India during 2021-2022, focusing on the differential diagnosis of Dengue.

METHODS

All suspected cases were submitted to serological differential diagnosis approaches to arboviruses like Chikungunya and Dengue. For the detection of Chikungunya Infection, CHIK IgM Capture ELISA was employed. Whereas, for Dengue NS1 antigen ELISA and IgM Capture ELISA assays were employed.

RESULTS

A total of 370 cases suspected of arboviral infection were investigated and 38.3% (142/370) were confirmed as Chikungunya. Chikungunya cases were slightly more prevalent in males (54%) and the most frequently affected age group was adults between 16 and 30 years old (45.7%). Polyarthralgia affected 79.5% of patients, 63.3% exhibited headache and 50% presented with retro-orbital pain. 28.9% (107/370) had serological evidence of DENV exposure by detection of specific anti-DENV IgM or NS1 and 9.1% (34/370) cases of co-detection of Chikungunya and Dengue were reported. Urban populations had a higher infection rate of co-detection of Chikungunya and Dengue than rural populations with 83% versus 17%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an initial clinical diagnosis of Dengue, most patients with fever and arthralgia were serologically confirmed as Chikungunya cases, with a notable prevalence of CHIKV/DENV co-detection. Strengthening differential diagnosis of circulating arboviruses is crucial for improving patient care and enhancing vector control and environmental management strategies.