Genetic Insights in CHIKV-Acute and Chronic Cases

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, has caused a significant number of infections worldwide. In Brazil, the emergence of the CHIKV-ECSA genotype in 2014 posed a major public health challenge due to its association with more severe symptoms. This study aimed to shed new light on the host immune response by examining the profile of both CHIKV-acute and chronically infected individuals from Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil, a region heavily affected by CHIKV, Dengue, and Zika virus epidemics. Our data reveal a complex symptomatology characterized by arthralgia and post-chikungunya neuropathy in chronic individuals, particularly affecting women leaving in socially vulnerable situations. Analysis of genetic modules suggests heightened metabolic processes and cap methylation in acute patients. In contrast, chronic individuals exhibit distinct pattern of histone methylation and T-cells differentiation, alongside alterations in the immunological response. Overall, our findings underscore the intricate nature of disease progression in CHIKV infections, highlighting the diverse scenarios encountered in both acute and chronic stages. Moreover, our identification of new genic modules offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms driving these distinct disease manifestations.