Seroprevalence of chikungunya virus infection and co-occurrence with malaria among patients with febrile illness in Oguma, the middle belt region of Nigeria.

Abstract

Globally, chikungunya virus infection has become a major public health concern due to the frequent epidemics and increased introduction into new regions. The current study provided a baseline report of chikungunya virus infection and its co-infection in the previously unexplored Oguma, Bassa Local Government Area. Blood samples and relevant sociodemographic variables were obtained from a cross-section of 200 febrile patients. Samples were screened serologically for chikungunya virus antibodies and microscopically for malaria parasites. Overall, anti-chikungunya virus antibodies were detected in 9(4.50%), out of which IgM and IgG were 4(2.0%) and 5(2.5%), respectively. Three (1.5%) of the patients with active chikungunya virus infection were co-infected with malaria, while 1(1.0%) was positive for viral mono-infection. Sixty (30%) patients in the study had malaria alone. Active cases of chikungunya virus infection were observed in males only [4(4.3%) vs 0(0.0%)], who also showed evidence of previous viral infection [3(3.3%) vs 2(1.9%)]. Among the small group of positive cases, rash and back pain were frequently observed alongside active chikungunya virus infection (p < 0.05). Our study confirms the circulation of the chikungunya virus in the unexplored Oguma area, though at a low level when compared to other epidemiological investigations elsewhere in the country.