A traveler returning from coastal Kenya develops abrupt-onset high fever and incapacitating bilateral small-joint arthralgia. Over the following six months she continues to have persistent polyarthritis despite resolution of fever. The virus responsible belongs to which taxonomic group?
- A Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae
- B Orthobunyavirus, family Peribunyaviridae
- C Alphavirus, family Togaviridae ✓
- D Phlebovirus, family Phenuiviridae
Correct answer: C. Alphavirus, family Togaviridae
Explanation
Chikungunya virus is an alphavirus of the family Togaviridae, transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Its hallmark is severe arthralgia and arthritis that may persist for months to years, distinguishing it from dengue. Dengue is a flavivirus producing retro-orbital pain and thrombocytopenia, while orthobunyaviruses and phleboviruses cause encephalitis syndromes and sandfly fever respectively, not chronic arthropathy.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.