Mechanism underlying persistent joint dysfunction in chronic CHIKV disease

Determine the pathophysiological mechanism causing persistent joint dysfunction in patients with chronic Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease, for which autoimmune involvement has minimal supporting evidence.

Background

Chikungunya virus infection often results in severe arthralgia and joint-related symptoms that can persist for months or years after acute infection resolves. Although inflammatory mediators are elevated and viral RNA or antigens have been detected in tissues in some studies, the precise cause of ongoing joint dysfunction remains unclear.

The paper notes that evidence for autoimmunity in chronic CHIKV illness is minimal, emphasizing that the specific mechanism driving persistent joint problems is not established.