The frequency of tropical viruses appearing in the United States is on the rise. One such virus, chikungunya, has become a focus of attention within healthcare circles and amongst infection prevention professionals. To delve deeper and understand the virus better, Infection Control Today® (ICT®) approached Thomas Rademacher, MD, PhD, a renowned expert in the field, besides being the co-founder of Emergex. Rademacher holds the position of CEO at Emergex and is also an emeritus professor of Molecular Medicine at University College London.
A specialist in the field, Rademacher was able to provide an in-depth understanding of chikungunya, its related viruses, and how Emergex is developing a CD8 T cell-based vaccine to combat it. The initiative is supported by the UK Department of Health and Social Care, highlighting its significance in the global health context.
Chikungunya, an emerging mosquito-borne RNA virus from the Togaviridae family, triggers outbreaks that mimic an incapacitating arthritis-like disease. It is primarily carried and transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus being the main culprits. The disease is characterised by sudden high fever and severe joint pain among other flu-like symptoms, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Although it usually does not result in fatalities, the acute phase of the infection can be extremely distressing, often leaving patients bedridden for weeks. The term ‘chikungunya’, a derivative from the Kimakonde language means ‘to become contorted’ which aptly characterises the painful joint deformities following infection.
Rademacher highlighted the complexity of developing vaccines with broad specificity due to the diverse range of potential pathogens in mosquito-endemic regions. Emergex, however, is attempting to use chikungunya as a prototype to develop a vaccine that could potentially cover other members of the Chikungunya family. This comprehensive approach could pave the way for a more robust defense against these tropical viruses.