Introduction:

Chikungunya is caused by an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes of Aedes species. It can present as a classic or atypical form. Atypical manifestations include involvement of many vital organs; among them, acute encephalitis is the most common form of neurological involvement. The objective of this study was to characterize CHIK-V encephalitis.

Materials and methods:

Descriptive, prospective, observational, prevalence between January and March 2023. Pediatric patients with a diagnosis of CHIK-V by PCR in blood and with a diagnosis of encephalitis by PCR-RT and/or CSF alterations.

Results:

Of 157 patients, 36 (22.9%) were diagnosed with encephalitis. Of these, (36.6%) newborns, (27.7%) minor infants, (11%) older infants, (25%) children. 17 (47.2%) were female. Fever occurred in 100%, convulsions in 52.7%, rash in 50%, acrocyanosis in 30.5%, and sensorium alteration in 11%. CSF showed hyperproteinorrachia in 63.8% of patients, predominantly mononuclear pleocytosis in 72.2% of patients. Both the alterations occurred simultaneously (52.7 %). The PCR-RT rate of positivity in the CSF was 69.4%. Fifteen (41.6%) patients were admitted to the PICU because of shock or brain alterations. Seven patients received intravenous immunoglobulins in addition to the supportive therapy. No mortality was observed in any patient.

Discussion:

CHIK-V encephalitis occurred in 22% of the patients, mainly affecting newborns and young infants. The CSF alterations included pleocytosis and hyperproteinorrachia. No mortality was recorded.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )