Chandipura virus: An emerging arboviral threat in india: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prospects for prevention

Chandipura Virus (CHPV), belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family, is accountable for a sudden outbreak in rural regions of India. Primarily affecting children, it manifests as an influenza-like illness and neurologic dysfunction. The transmission is facilitated by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. The adopted method for diagnosing this virus involves an effective real-time one-step reverse-transcriptase PCR assay. The genome of CHPV is comprised of a negative-sense RNA and encodes five distinct proteins: N, P, M, G, and L. The vital function in the virus's life cycle is carried out by the P protein, whereas the M protein exhibits lethal characteristics. There is currently no specific treatment, and symptomatic relief entails the utilization of mannitol to decrease brain edema. The effectiveness of a Vero cell-based vaccine candidate against CHPV was efficiently evaluated as a preventive measure. Curbing the menace of CHPV involves containing disease-transmitting vectors, ensuring good nutrition, health, hygiene, and fostering awareness in rural areas. Hence, substantial preventive measures need to be implemented to control virus transmission until an effective anti-CHPV agent is developed.