Molecular characterization of chikungunya virus from the first cluster of patients during the 2020 outbreak in Chad

Arch Virol. 2022 May;167(5):1301-1305. doi: 10.1007/s00705-022-05427-5. Epub 2022 Mar 29.

Abstract

We sequenced a portion of the E1 envelope protein gene of two of four CHIKV RT-PCR-positive samples from the first cluster of chikungunya patients during the 2020 Chad outbreak. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the viruses belonged to the East/Central/South/African genotype but lacked the E1 A226V and K211E mutations associated with viral adaptability and transmission, suggesting an autochthonous transmission. These sequences are a useful basis for tracking viral evolution in subsequent outbreaks in Chad.

MeSH terms

  • Chad / epidemiology
  • Chikungunya Fever* / epidemiology
  • Chikungunya virus* / genetics
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Phylogeny