National Institute of Virology, 20-A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune-01, India.
An outbreak of acute viral encephalitis in children was reported in June 2007. Clinical-epidemiological features suggested Chandipura virus as the etiological agent. Case investigations were done between July 12 and September 13, 2007. Sera and CSF specimens were tested for anti JEV IgM, anti CHPV IgM/IgG and CHPV RNA by PCR. Fifty-five cases (32 deaths, CFR 58.2%) were line-listed in six districts of Nagpur division upto 23rd August 2007. Age distribution showed preponderance in <5 years of age (23, 41.8%). Male-female ratio was 1:1.1. Most of the samples were negative for anti JEV IgM. Chandipura etiology was detected in 31 (64.6%) of 48 cases screened. Out of 75 non line-listed cases, 8 (10.7%) were detected with Chandipura etiology. Symptoms in 37 confirmed cases were fever (100%), convulsions (77.97%), altered sensorium (29.72%), headache (18.91%), vomiting (43.24%) and Diarrhea (18.91%). CHPV RNA was detected in acute sera of 24 cases; exclusive in 17 (including 3 isolations from acute sera and 2 CSF with CHPV RNA), with IgM in one and with seroconversion in 6 cases. Only 8 cases were detected with anti CHPV IgM. Additional 7 cases were detected with seroconversion to anti CHPV IgM/IgG antibodies. Chandipura virus is an important cause of acute encephalitis in children in Nagpur division of Maharashtra.
