Chikungunya Virus Testing: Molecular Diagnostics Overview

The technology for testing Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) focuses on detecting the virus or the body’s immune response to it. Here's an overview of the main diagnostic technologies used:

🧪 1. Molecular Testing (RT-PCR)

Technology: Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
How it works: Detects Chikungunya viral RNA in blood or serum samples.
Window: Most effective within the first 7 days of symptom onset (acute phase).
Features:

• High sensitivity and specificity

• Rapid results (2–4 hours in lab settings)

• Often used in outbreak detection and confirmation

✅ Used in national labs and hospitals with molecular capabilities

🧫 2. Serological Testing (ELISA, Rapid Tests)

Technology: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or lateral flow assays
How it works: Detects IgM and IgG antibodies produced by the immune system.
Window: Useful from day 5 onward (after the acute viremic phase)
Types:

• IgM ELISA: Indicates recent infection

• IgG ELISA: Indicates past exposure

Rapid Tests (e.g., lateral flow kits):

• Point-of-care testing

• Results in ~15 minutes

• Lower sensitivity compared to ELISA

✅ Preferred in rural and resource-limited settings

🧬 3. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Technology: Whole-genome or targeted viral sequencing
Use Case: Identifies viral strains, tracks mutations, and informs public health responses.
Not used for routine diagnosis but valuable in research and outbreak tracing.

🧫 4. Virus Isolation (Cell Culture)

Technology: Inoculating patient samples into mosquito or mammalian cell lines
Use Case: Reference laboratories and research; confirms active virus
Time: Slow—can take several days
Biosafety: Requires BSL-3 conditions

🔬 Devices & Manufacturers (Examples)

Platform Type Manufacturer GeneXpert RT-PCR Cepheid Altona RealStar RT-PCR kit Altona Diagnostics Euroimmun ELISA IgM/IgG ELISA Euroimmun AG SD Bioline Rapid test Abbott BioFire FilmArray Multiplex PCR BioMérieux

💡 Summary Table

Test Type Detects Window Use Case RT-PCR Viral RNA Days 1–7 Acute diagnosis IgM ELISA Recent antibodies Days 5–30+ Confirm past infection Rapid Test IgM/IgG Days 5–30+ Field/point-of-care NGS Viral genome Research only Strain tracking

🧠 Future Trends

• CRISPR-based diagnostics (e.g., SHERLOCK platform) being developed for rapid and precise viral detection

• Portable PCR devices like Lab-in-a-Box systems for low-resource settings

• Multiplex tests to distinguish between CHIKV, dengue, and Zika in a single test