• UGI USER
  • Sep 05, 2024
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GENOME MAPPING REVEALS KEY INSIGHTS ON CHPV

Why in the news?

The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre’s genome mapping of CHPV uncovers minimal evolution and mutation, aiding in understanding the virus’s impact and guiding future research and treatment.

source:slideshare

Genome Mapping of Chandipura Virus: Key Findings

  • The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) has completed genome mapping of Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV), responsible for encephalitis cases in Gujarat during the July-August outbreak.
  • CHPV causes encephalitis, fever, headaches, convulsions, coma, and death, with severe effects on children under 15. The virus is transmitted by sandflies, ticks, and mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti.

Key Discoveries by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre(GBRC):

  • The virus hasn’t significantly evolved since the 2003-04 and 2012 outbreaks, with only minor mutations in its glycoprotein gene.
  • Unlike fast-mutating viruses like COVID-19, CHPV shows little pressure to escape immunity, likely due to limited population exposure.
  • CHPV’s strain in the recent outbreak matches previous Indian outbreaks and is unrelated to strains from Europe or Africa, confirming its local circulation.
About Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV):

  • Virus Family: Belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes lyssavirus (rabies).
  • Vectors: Transmitted by sandflies (Phlebotomine, Phlebotomus papatasi) and mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).
  • Transmission: Virus resides in insects’ salivary glands, transmitted to humans via bites, causing encephalitis.
  • Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms initially, progressing to fever, body ache, headache, altered sensorium, seizures, and rapid onset of encephalitis.
  • Disease Progression: Can lead to respiratory distress, bleeding, anaemia, and potentially death within 24-48 hours.
  • Treatment: Symptomatic management only; no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine.
  • Affected Regions: First isolated in 1965 in Maharashtra, with significant outbreaks in 2003-04 in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and remains endemic in central India.