Neuroinvasion by Chandipura virus

Genomic and Structural Insights into Chandipura Virus: A Comparative in Silico Analysis of Indian and West African Strains and Potential Host Receptor Interactions

Chandipura virus (CHPV), a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, is an emerging pathogen responsible for encephalitis outbreaks, particularly among children under 15 years of age. Predominantly transmitted by sandflies, CHPV has caused multiple outbreaks in India, whereas strains from West African countries, including Kenya, Senegal, and Nigeria, have not been linked to human infections. The CHPV glycoprotein (G protein), a crucial spike protein, plays a key role in viral entry into host cells. In this study, we performed an in silico analysis to identify the potential mechanism of viral entry into host cells through interactions with the G protein. We also conducted bioinformatics analyses to examine the global distribution of CHPV strains and performed comparative structural and sequence-level analyses of the CHPV G protein. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a clear division of the CHPV G protein into two distinct clades. Despite this divergence, genome-wide analysis revealed high sequence conservation across the CHPV strains. Additionally, we identified potential interactions between the CHPV G protein and human receptors such as Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein 1 (LRP1), facilitated by conserved lysine residues in the CHPV G protein in a calcium-dependent manner. The conservation of interacting residues across all strains raises concerns about the zoonotic potential of CHPV, particularly in regions where the virus is circulating in sandfly populations but has not yet caused any reported human infection. Our findings offer valuable insights into the genetic and structural similarities of CHPV strains, emphasizing the CHPV potential to spread beyond its current geographic boundaries and possibly cause human infections.

Biological and Pathogenic Blueprint of Chandipura Virus

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus of the family Rhabdoviridae. CHPV is transmitted mainly through infected sandflies. CHPV paediatric encephalitis reported in 2003-2004 in central and south-western parts of India had a case fatality rate of ∼70%. CHPV infection leads to high-grade fever, vomiting, altered sensorium, generalised convulsions, decerebrate posture and coma. Neuroinflammation is the hallmark of CHPV infection and has a pronounced effect on cerebral and brainstem regions. Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments available for CHPV infection. Although previous studies have provided insights into the virus's pathology and host-pathogen interactions, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying CHPV pathogenesis are poorly understood. Understanding molecular pathogenesis is crucial for developing efficacious therapies and preventive measures. The review summarises CHPV epidemiology, transmission, genome structure, replication, pathogenesis and the latest antiviral therapies and vaccine developments.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Chandipura virus: Insights from a Preliminary Genomic Study

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an arthropod-borne virus linked to encephalitis in humans, primarily in India. Its evolutionary dynamics and transmission pathways remain poorly understood due to limited genomic data. This study analyzed 23 publicly available CHPV genomes, including isolates from humans, sandflies, and a hedgehog, retrieved from GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to explore host-specific and geographic evolutionary patterns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct evolutionary lineages. Human-derived genomes collected in India between 2003 and 2024 formed a well-supported monophyletic clade, suggesting a unique evolutionary lineage. In contrast, sandfly-derived genomes exhibited diverse clustering patterns. Notably, Kenyan sandfly isolates from 2016-2017 were phylogenetically closer to human-derived sequences, suggesting possible shared evolutionary pressures. These findings provide preliminary insights into CHPV evolution and emphasize the need for enhanced genomic surveillance in both human and non-human populations. Expanding genomic data is essential to validate these observations and inform public health strategies.

A real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for detection and quantification of Vesiculovirus

Vesiculoviruses (VSV) are zoonotic viruses that cause vesicular stomatitis disease in cattle, horses and pigs, as well as sporadic human cases of acute febrile illness. Therefore, diagnosis of VSV infections by reliable laboratory techniques is important to allow a proper case management and implementation of strategies for the containment of virus spread. We show here a sensitive and reproducible real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection and quantification of VSV. The assay was evaluated with arthropods and serum samples obtained from horses, cattle and patients with acute febrile disease. The real-time RT-PCR amplified the Piry, Carajas, Alagoas and Indiana Vesiculovirus at a melting temperature 81.02 ± 0.8ºC, and the sensitivity of assay was estimated in 10 RNA copies/mL to the Piry Vesiculovirus. The viral genome has been detected in samples of horses and cattle, but not detected in human sera or arthropods. Thus, this assay allows a preliminary differential diagnosis of VSV infections.