Screening of immunoglobulin g antibodies against chikungunya virus among urban population in Ilorin Nigeria

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease which is becoming a serious global public health problem. The principal vector in many parts of Africa is Aedes species. There are recent reports of CHIKV importation into Europe, Asia and America by travelers returning from west and central Africa. Yet, there is scanty information from the guinea savannah region of Nigeria. This study determined previous exposure to CHIKV in the urban population. It is a cross-sectional study involving 89 participants enrolled from three hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State. A qualitative Chikungunya Enzyme Linked Immunoassay kit was used to detect IgG antibodies. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Statistically significant level was p≤0.05. Out of the study participants, 24.7% were previously exposed to CHIKV. Age group 31-40years had highest proportion while children under 10years had least IgG level. In this study, we found Chikungunya to be endemic in Ilorin Nigeria. There is need for sustained surveillance, to determine spatio-temporal epidemiology of CHIKV. Efforts should be poised to strengthen vector control measures.

Keywords: Chikungunya virus, Immunoglobulin G, Guinea Savannah, Ilorin, Urban