Chikungunya - IGM

Chikungunya (chik-un-GUN-yuh) is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes a quick onset of fever and severe joint pain. Chikungunya signs and symptoms often show two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquitoes. This mosquito was first identified in 1952 after an outbreak in southern Tanzania. It is an RNA virus that belongs to the Togaviridae family alphavirus genus. The name chikungunya means to become distorted and depicts the stooping appearance of joint pain sufferers (arthralgia).

Chikungunya Virus can infect a new, uninfected host faster than other mosquito-borne viruses. The mosquito, once infected, is thought to be capable of transmitting the virus for the remainder of its life.

Virus, viral nucleic acid or virus-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and neutralising antibodies are formed in serum or plasma during laboratory diagnosis. In the first three days of illness, viral culture may detect the virus.

Chikungunya virus RNA can commonly be detected in serum during the first eight days of sickness. Antibodies to the Chikungunya virus usually emerge at the end of the first week of the disease. In some acute phases, the samples test negative for the virus. In that case, to rule out the diagnosis, convalescent-phase samples should be taken.

The Chikungunya test includes testing of IgM and IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies indicate recent or ongoing infection, while IgG antibodies indicate past infection. The Chikungunya test helps detect the presence of antibodies against the Chikungunya virus in the individual. If you have not tested positive on a diagnostic test, a Chikungunya test has been done to confirm exposure to the virus.  

Studies show that chikungunya is a huge concern for public health in India. Close to twenty-four Indian states and about six union territories are endemic to the disease.

Many patients feel better in around seven days, although joint pain might continue for months in some people. The symptoms are similar to diseases caused by the same mosquitoes, dengue fever.

Complications include inflammation of the heart, liver, brain, skin, kidneys and nerves.

The elderly (>65 years) and newborns, particularly those with significant medical issues, are at the greatest risk of severe disease and consequences. Death is uncommon and primarily occurs in the elderly.

Other names of the Chikungunya test:

• Chikungunya IgM
• CHIKM
• CHIKV
• Chikungunya IgG
• CHIKG
• ChikV

What does the Chikungunya test measure? and to whom is this prescribed?

The chikungunya test chart detects antibodies produced against the chikungunya virus in the blood sample. Patients with an acute start of fever, especially those who recently returned from places where the virus is prevalent, should be evaluated for Chikungunya virus infection.

A Chikungunya test chart is advised on people who are at high risk of chikungunya infection. It includes:

• People who have symptoms of chikungunya fever and live in high-risk areas of chikungunya.
• People who have symptoms of chikungunya fever after a recent travel history to a chikungunya-prone locality.

The chikungunya test values are indicated if a person is experiencing the following symptoms:

• A sensation of moderate illness
• Sudden high fever (104°F or 40°C)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Severe headaches
• Severe Joint pain
• Crippling pain in joints
• Bone pain
• Muscle discomfort
• Myalgia
• Arthritis
• Conjunctivitis
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Maculopapular rash
• The flat red area on the skin is covered with elevated bumps
• Hyperpigmentation
• Mouth ulcers
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Sleeplessness

When is the Chikungunya test done?

The Chikungunya test is essential under the following conditions.

• When a person is having symptoms of chikungunya and has a history of mosquito bites in the recent past.
• When a person develops a fever with joint pains after a journey to a place where chikungunya is prevalent.
• A person residing in a town where chikungunya is prevalent suddenly develops a high-grade fever.

Chikungunya test after day 5 of onset of symptoms provides accurate results.

A simple blood sample is required for the chikungunya test reports.

Test preparation for the Chikungunya test

The Chikungunya test procedure is a simple blood test. The Chikungunya test procedure does not require fasting or any specific preparation.

What are the parameters included in the test?

The Chikungunya test reports include only two parameters. IgM and IgG antibody tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system as a response to the chikungunya virus.

How frequently should you take this test?

When the chikungunya test value is positive, the doctor will start the treatment. Treatment for chikungunya, like most acute conditions, needs 15-20 days.

Below are the reasons why a doctor would prescribe a chikungunya test a second time

• If the symptoms do not disappear or new ones arise, the doctor will order another chikungunya test procedure. 
• After 15 days, the chikungunya test repetition helps to understand if the patient has healed. If the doctor suspects the previous report was false-negative or false-positive, he may ask for a repetition of the chikungunya test report after seven days.
• In the case of acute chikungunya, if the chikungunya test results are negative, the test needs a repetition within ten days with another sample

Chikungunya fever

The chikungunya IgG and IgM normal ranges are in the table below.

Note: If the chikungunya report values are normal range, it does not rule out chikungunya completely. The chikungunya test chart is interpreted by a healthcare provider.