An Overview Modifying the Clinical Picture in Cases of Chandipura Viral Encephalitis

Abstract

This article examines research projects and advancements over the past ten years that are crucial for understanding the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, vaccination, and growing concern surrounding the Chandipura virus (CHPV) in India. The encephalitic pathogen CHPV has emerged in recent years and has been associated with several epidemics across various regions of India. Most spontaneous infections occur in children under the age of fifteen. CHPV is increasingly recognized as a significant cause of encephalitis on the Indian subcontinent. There have been reports of substantial viral outbreaks in multiple Indian regions.

Initially, CHPV was thought to be exclusive to India, based on its discovery and activity there. However, CHPV has also been isolated from human cases in Nigeria (1971–1972), from hedgehogs (Atelerix spiculus) during entomological monitoring in Senegal (1990–1996), and from recent samples in Bhutan, Nepal, and wild monkeys (Macaca sinica) in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka (1993). These findings suggest that CHPV circulates in several tropical countries. Research into protective vaccination candidates for CHPV is necessary.

Evolutionary studies on CHPV indicate that the virus has shown significant antigenic and genomic stability over the past 47 years. While the true nature of the natural vector of transmission remains unclear, the regular isolation of CHPV from sand flies suggests that they may be the primary vector. CHPV activity has been observed in specific geographic areas of India. Anti-CHPV antibodies have been detected in various animals, including rats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, frogs, hedgehogs, and lizards. Based on the limited research available on vector-related reports, sand flies appear to be the main vector.