Evaluating anti-CHIK IgM and qualitative RT-PCR for diagnosing chikungunya in hospitalized patients: A comparative analysis of diagnostic efficacy

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus characterized by a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome, and it is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. Prompt and precise diagnosis is essential for efficient clinical treatment, monitoring, and public health initiatives aimed at controlling CHIKV spread. Diagnostic methods include reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serological assays, with lateral flow chromatographic immunoassays frequently used to detect IgM antibodies. The aim of this study is to compare the RT-PCR and chikungunya IgM antibody detection methods. METHODS: A diagnostic comparative study was conducted within the Pathology department at Aarogyam Hospital in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India. In this study, two types of diagnostic methods were employed. Blood samples were obtained for the lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay IgM Combo Rapid test and Chikungunya RT-PCR. Statistical data analysis was conducted by using GraphPad and Microsoft Excel 2010. RESULTS: The study included 50 suspected chikungunya patients. The mean age of participants was 35.6±6.627 (mean±SD) within 7-75 years age groups. There were 26 men and 24 women among the participants. Out of the 50 patients, 27 were identified as chikungunya positive. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: The study reveals the complimentary nature of RT-PCR and IgM chromatographic methods in the diagnosis of chikungunya. While RT-PCR is excellent for confirming current infections, IgM chromatographic methods provide important information on the immune response.