Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

IgM antibodies appear within a few days of infection and remain detectable for several weeks.

Clinical uses include:

Confirming acute Chikungunya infection in symptomatic patients.

Differentiating Chikungunya from other arboviral infections (e.g., Dengue, Zika).

Supporting outbreak investigations and public health surveillance.

The test is performed using a blood sample, typically by ELISA method.

Analyte: Anti-Chikungunya IgM antibodies in serum.

Normal Result: Negative (no detectable IgM antibodies).

Abnormal Findings:

Positive IgM: Indicates recent or current Chikungunya infection.

Negative IgM: Rules out acute infection; may suggest past infection or very early stage (IgM not yet detectable).

Clinical Use:

Provides a specific marker for acute Chikungunya infection.

Helps guide patient management and infection control measures.

Often interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and other arboviral tests.