Despite once being considered a relatively rare arboviral disease, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is staging a troubling resurgence in 2025. With sharp increases in transmission across parts of South America, Africa, and Asia and even localized outbreaks in Europe this mosquito-borne virus has reasserted itself as a major public health concern.
Chikungunya Virus at a Glance
Chikungunya virus belongs to the Alphavirus genus and the Togaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Common symptoms include sudden high fever, severe joint pain, rash, headache, and muscle pain. In elderly individuals, joint pain can persist and develop into long-lasting, arthritis-like symptoms. The most vulnerable groups include infants, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women.
As the virus re-emerges, early and accurate detection is key to controlling its spread and minimizing its severe, long-lasting impact on human health. At Vitrosens, we proudly introduce the LyoSens Chikungunya Virus Detection qPCR Kit a robust, room-temperature-stable molecular diagnostic tool designed for the rapid detection of CHIKV nucleic acids in human plasma samples.
Global Surge in Chikungunya Cases on 2025
According to the latest data from WHO, ECDC, NICD, and the CDC, Chikungunya has made a significant comeback in recent years. In the first half of 2025 alone, more than 240,000 confirmed cases were reported globally.
Brazil: Over 185,000 cases reported, making it the most severely affected country in 2025.
Réunion Island (France): Over 54,000 confirmed cases, with 27 deaths recorded.
Mayotte (France): Over 1,000 cases confirmed; severe disease seen in infants and pregnant women.
India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan reported thousands of cases, marking a regional resurgence in Asia.
This resurgence has triggered increased concern from health authorities, particularly due to the virus’s chronic arthralgia, its economic burden, and the lack of specific treatment or vaccine.
LyoSens CHIKV Detection qPCR Kit: Designed for Speed and Accuracy
The LyoSens Chikungunya Virus Detection qPCR Kit enables highly sensitive and specific detection of CHIKV RNA from EDTA plasma samples, with the following standout features:
- Target gene: E1 gene of CHIKV, highly conserved and specific
- Internal control: Human RNase P gene
- Fluorescent channels: ROX (CHIKV), HEX (internal control)
- Detection limit: 100 copies/mL, equivalent to Cq 38 ±1
- Stability: Lyophilized format stable at 2–40°C for 24 months
- Compatible systems: ChainPro NGX16-4F, Bio-Rad CFX96, Thermo QuantStudio 5, Roche LightCycler 480, Tianlong Gentier 96
- Validated extraction kits: MagFast, Qiagen, Invitrogen Dynabeads, Virasens
Workflow Efficiency:
- Single-tube, lyophilized RT-qPCR
- No cold chain required for transport or storage
- Complete result within ~60 minutes
- Easy-to-interpret results: Positive if Cq <43 (ROX)
Run protocol verified using Bio-Rad CFX96: Example qPCR result (internal report, 2025-08-04)
CHIKV Standard Curves
To validate the performance of the LyoSens Chikungunya Virus Detection qPCR Kit, we performed a standard curve analysis using serial dilutions of synthetic CHIKV target DNA. The resulting amplification and standard curves demonstrate the kit’s high efficiency, precision, and quantitative accuracy.
The amplification curves (top) show clear and consistent signal development across a range of concentrations, with earlier cycle thresholds corresponding to higher input quantities. The standard curve (bottom) illustrates a strong linear correlation between the logarithmic starting quantity and the cycle quantification (Cq) value.
These values confirm the assay’s robust analytical performance, making it ideal for both clinical diagnostics and surveillance applications. The standard curve was generated on the Bio-Rad CFX96 real-time PCR system using the ROX detection channel.
Why Early Detection Matters?
With global warming expanding mosquito habitats and increasing human mobility, CHIKV has a growing window of transmission. The LyoSens CHIKV Detection Kit enables:
- Faster outbreak identification
- Accurate diagnosis in endemic and non-endemic settings
- Clinical decision support, especially in differentiating from Dengue or Zika infections
- Surveillance and travel-related screening
Conclusion
The Chikungunya virus has clearly re-emerged as a serious global health threat. By integrating molecular diagnostics into routine surveillance and outbreak response, we can contain transmission earlier and protect vulnerable populations. The LyoSens Chikungunya Virus Detection qPCR Kit offers a reliable, easy-to-use, and cold-chain-free solution for clinical and research laboratories alike.
For more information and product inquiries visit www.vitrosens.com or contact with sales@vitrosens.com.
Key References:
- World Health Organization (WHO). Chikungunya Epidemiology Update – June 2025.
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Chikungunya virus disease monthly report.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chikungunya Virus Data & Maps.
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). Chikungunya Fever Resurgence: Latest Update on the Re-Emerging Public Health Threat.
