Abstract

Objective: To explore the seroprevalence, clinical features, and effectiveness of serological tests for CHIKV infection at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out from August to October 2024, involving patients with acute febrile illness and joint pain. Serological tests were conducted using ELISA and ELFA to detect anti-CHIKV IgM antibodies. The study utilized SPSS version 24 to analyze data across five age groups, with both the ELFA and ELISA assays assessed for their diagnostic accuracy in detecting anti-CHIKV IgM. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were calculated for both assays, and their agreement was evaluated.
Results: The overall seroprevalence of CHIKV infection was 13.5% via ELISA and 15.1% via ELFA. The most frequently reported clinical symptoms were fever and joint pain. Both ELISA and ELFA showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting CHIKV infection.
Conclusion: The rise in seroprevalence during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons indicates a pressing need for improved vector control strategies during these times. Additional research is necessary to examine the long-term effects of CHIKV infection and to formulate effective prevention and treatment approaches.

Key words: Aedes mosquitoes, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), ELFA (Enzyme-Linked Fluorescent Assay), ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay).