Changing clinical scenario in Chandipura virus infection

Abstract

Chandipura virus (CHPV) (Vesiculovirus: Rhabdoviridae) garnered global attention as an emerging neurotropic pathogen inflicting high mortality in children within 24 h of commencement of symptoms. The 2003-2004 outbreaks in Central India witnessed case fatality rates ranging from 56-75 per cent in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat with typical encephalitic symptoms. Due to the acute sickness and rapid deterioration, the precise mechanism of action of the virus is still unknown. Recent studies have shown increased expression of CHPV phosphoprotein upto 6 h post infection (PI) demonstrating CHPV replication in neuronal cells and the rapid destruction of the cells by apoptosis shed light on the probable mechanism of rapid death in children.Phlebotomine sandflies are implicated as vectors due to their predominance in endemic areas, repeated virus isolations and their ability to transmit the virus by transovarial and venereal routes. Significant contributions have been made in the development of diagnostics and prophylactics, vaccines and antivirals. Two candidate vaccines, viz. a recombinant vaccine and a killed vaccine and siRNAs targeting P and M proteins have been developed and are awaiting clinical trials. Rhabdomyosarcoma and Phlebotomus papatasi cell lines as well as embryonated chicken eggs have been found useful in virus isolation and propagation. Despite these advancements, CHPV has been a major concern in Central India and warrants immediate attention from virologists, neurologists, paediatricians and the government for containing the virus.

A Candidate Multi-Epitope Vaccine Against Pathogenic Chandipura Vesiculovirus Identified using Immunoinformatics.

“…A β-propio lactone (BPL) inactive tissue culture based vaccine has also been developed [74]. Unfortunately, for both types of vaccines developed so far, clinical trials have been performed only in mice but not in humans [10]. So far no vaccine is available against CHPV.…”

“…It also infects many mammalian species around the globe [9]. Due to its worldwide occurrence, it has gained global attention as an emerging neurotropic pathogen, imposing a mortality rate ranging from 55-77% [2,10]. The complete genome sequencing makes it evident that the uniqueness of the virus has become a new threat to humanity and what seems to be a tropical outbreak can very soon be a global one [11].…”

“…Thus, glycoprotein becomes a potent choice for vaccine designing [19]. A recombinant vaccine against CHPV has been developed in mice using the entire G gene [19], but it lacks human trials [10]. Hence, a licensed vaccine is still not available [10].…”

“…A recombinant vaccine against CHPV has been developed in mice using the entire G gene [19], but it lacks human trials [10]. Hence, a licensed vaccine is still not available [10]. Considering the global threat imposed by the virus, there is an urgent need to develop a highly effective vaccine against CHPV.…”

Chandipura Viral Encephalitis: A Brief Review

“…Similarly, the rate of replication of CHPV in the susceptible cell lines has been recorded extremely high thus within 24-48 hours, a complete monolayer of the cell sheet gets destroyed [ 6 ]. General clinical features include high-grade fever of short duration, vomiting, altered sensorium, generalized convulsions and decerabrate posture leading to grade 4 coma, acute encephalitis-encephalopathy and death within a few to 48 hours of hospitalization [ 7 ]. The available epidemiological data suggest that this disease mostly occurs in sporadic forms; however, has potential to cause outbreaks.…”