Chikungunya diagnostics and predictors in Peru [69]

Dataset for:
Diagnostic dynamics and novel clinical predictors of chikungunya: challenging the acute phase window in an endemic setting on the Northern Coast of Peru

Diagnosing Chikungunya virus is challenging because its symptoms mimic other diseases and the virus disappear from the blood very quickly. While international guidelines often prioritize molecular tests (RT-PCR) during the first week of illness, real-world settings may miss many cases based on this approach. In our study of 669 patients in Northern Peru, we discovered that the virus clears the bloodstream so rapidly that molecular tests were often negative even in the earliest days of symptoms.
Specifically, we found that 37 cases were identified by antibody (IgM) tests within four days of illness, but only three cases were identified by molecular tests. We also found that specific clinical signs, such as conjunctivitis and vomiting, could help doctors differentiate Chikungunya from other viruses. In hyperendemic regions like Piura, current diagnostic frameworks might benefit from a more flexible approach. The integration of antibody testing earlier and the recognition of specific clinical patterns may help healthcare providers make better triage decisions, ultimately improving outbreak management in resource-limited settings where multiple viruses circulate simultaneously.