What is the Chikungunya Test?
Chikungunya Test is a serological blood test to diagnose chikungunya infection. Chikungunya virus infection or chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through infected Aedes mosquitoes. Infected individuals can develop fever, joint pain, and fatigue. In such cases, getting an early Chikungunya Test can help diagnose and curb the risk of local transmission.
The Chikungunya Test works by detecting the anti-chikungunya (IgG and IgM) in your blood. IgG and IgM antibodies produced by the body’s immune system fight off chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection. The presence of anti-Chikungunya antibodies can indicate a current or recent infection.
What is the Chikungunya Test used for?
The Chikungunya Test helps diagnose chikungunya virus infection or chikungunya fever. It uses serological blood tests such as Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA) to detect the presence of anti-chikungunya antibodies in your blood. Serological blood testing can also help limit the spread of local infection.
Understanding the test results of the Chikungunya Test
To diagnose Chikungunya in an individual; blood testing is done < 6 days from the onset of illness.
Component |
Range |
Interpretation and comment |
Chikungunya IgG antibody |
In the range between 0.80 to 1.09 |
May indicate the presence of anti-Chikungunya antibody (IgG). Repeat testing within 1-2 weeks required. |
Greater or equal to 1.10 |
Definite indication for the presence of anti- chikungunya IgG antibody; suggests recent or past infection |
|
Chikungunya IgM antibody |
In the range between 0.80 to 1.09 |
Possible presence of Chikungunya IgM antibody. To confirm the diagnosis, a repeat testing in 6-10 days is often advised |
Greater or equal to 1.09 |
Definite indication for the presence of chikungunya IgM antibody; suggests recent or past infection. |
It is advised not to use the above interpretation for patient treatment. Occasionally, a PCR test may be required to make confirmatory decisions.