2.3 Chikungunya

Figure 2.17: Demographics of Chikungunya

The Chikungunya virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Alphavirus genus. It also has three different lineages (i.e., serotypes).

Like the dengue virus, the Chikungunya virus evolved from sylvatic viruses and has seven to 20 years between epidemics.

Figure 2.18: Serotypes of Chikungunya Virus

Just like the Dengue virus, the Chikungunya virus also has multiple serotypes - five serotypes to be exact!

2.3.1 A226V mutation

Figure 2.19: Dissemination Rate of Two Different Variants of the Chikungunya Virus

The A226V mutation in the virus allows it to become more adaptable to populations of A. albopictus (a primary carrier of Chikungunya).

2.3.1.1 Out-competing 226A in A. albopictus

In a study, laboratory mice were infected with virus serotypes with the 226A and the 226V mutations. While both 226V and 226A were detected in suckling mice that were directly infected with both virus mutations, only mice that have been infected via an A. albopictus mosquito had 226V viruses in their systems.