Research reveals the mechanism by which chikungunya virus leads to mortality

USA: A study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe revealed that the chikungunya virus, responsible for more than 10 million cases recorded in around 125 countries over the past 20 years since its arrival, is capable of spreading through the blood, reaching multiple organs and crossing the blood-brain barrier, which protects the central nervous system. 

The study analyzed data from 32 deceased patients and included test results for the presence of CHIKV in the body, as well as laboratory and autopsy information. Histopathology, quantification of cytokines, metabolomics, proteomics, and viral genomic analysis, as well as real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, were performed in samples of blood serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and other tissues. The scientists also evaluated samples and tests from two other groups, one consisting of 39 survivors of acute CHIKV infection and the other consisting of 15 blood donors.