Preprint / Version 1

An Overview of Indian Biomedical Research on the Chikungunya Virus with Particular Reference to Its Vaccine, an Unmet Medical Need

Authors

  • Muhammed Varikkodan Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Science, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan; [email protected]
  • Faisal Kunnathodi Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Sarfuddin Azmi Scientific Research Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia; [email protected]
  • Tzong-Yuan Wu Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Science, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan; [email protected]

Keywords:

chikungunya virus, CHIKV, outbreaks, chikungunya vaccine, chikungunya research, biomedical research

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an infectious agent spread by mosquitos, that has engendered endemic or epidemic outbreaks of Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) in Africa, South-East Asia, America, and a few European countries. Like most tropical infections, CHIKV is frequently misdiagnosed, underreported, and underestimated; it primarily affects areas with limited resources, like developing nations. Due to its high transmission rate and lack of a preventive vaccine or effective treatments, this virus poses a serious threat to humanity. After a 32-year hiatus, CHIKV reemerged as the most significant epidemic ever reported, in India in 2006. Since then, CHIKV-related research was begun in India, and up to now, more than 800 peer-reviewed research papers have been published by Indian researchers and medical practitioners. This review gives an overview of the outbreak history and CHIKV-related research in India, to favor novel high-quality research works intending to promote effective treatment and preventive strategies, including vaccine development, against CHIKV infection. Keywords: chikungunya virus, CHIKV, outbreaks, chikungunya vaccine, chikungunya research, biomedical research

Author Biography

Tzong-Yuan Wu, Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Science, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan; [email protected]

R&D Center of Membrane Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taoyuan City 320314, Taiwan