Ramphal, Y.; Tegally, H.; San, J.E.; Reichmuth, M.L.; Hofstra, M.; Wilkinson, E.; Baxter, C.; CLIMADE Consortium; de Oliveira, T.; Moir, M. Understanding the Transmission Dynamics of the Chikungunya Virus in Africa. Pathogens2024, 13, 605.
Ramphal, Y.; Tegally, H.; San, J.E.; Reichmuth, M.L.; Hofstra, M.; Wilkinson, E.; Baxter, C.; CLIMADE Consortium; de Oliveira, T.; Moir, M. Understanding the Transmission Dynamics of the Chikungunya Virus in Africa. Pathogens 2024, 13, 605.
Ramphal, Y.; Tegally, H.; San, J.E.; Reichmuth, M.L.; Hofstra, M.; Wilkinson, E.; Baxter, C.; CLIMADE Consortium; de Oliveira, T.; Moir, M. Understanding the Transmission Dynamics of the Chikungunya Virus in Africa. Pathogens2024, 13, 605.
Ramphal, Y.; Tegally, H.; San, J.E.; Reichmuth, M.L.; Hofstra, M.; Wilkinson, E.; Baxter, C.; CLIMADE Consortium; de Oliveira, T.; Moir, M. Understanding the Transmission Dynamics of the Chikungunya Virus in Africa. Pathogens 2024, 13, 605.
Abstract
The Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) poses a significant global public health concern, especially in Africa. Since its first isolation in Tanzania in 1953, CHIKV has caused recurrent outbreaks, challenging healthcare systems in low-resource settings. Recent outbreaks in Africa highlight the dynamic nature of CHIKV transmission and the challenges of underreporting and underdiagnosis. Here, we review literature and analyze publicly available cases, outbreaks, and genomic data providing insights into the epidemiology, genetic diversity, and transmission dynamics of CHIKV in Africa. Our analyses reveal the circulation of geographically distinct CHIKV genotypes, with certain regions experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease. Phylogenetic analysis of sporadic outbreaks in West Africa suggests repeated emergence of the virus through enzootic spillover, which is markedly different from inferred transmission dynamics in East Africa, where the virus is often introduced from Asian outbreaks, including the recent reintroduction of the Indian Ocean lineage from the Indian subcontinent to east Africa. Furthermore, there is limited evidence of viral movement between these two regions. Understanding the history and transmission dynamics of outbreaks is crucial for public health planning. Despite advances in surveillance and research, diagnostic and surveillance challenges persist. This review and secondary analysis highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance, research, and collaboration to mitigate the burden of CHIKV in Africa and improve public health outcomes.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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