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Sindbis virus as a human pathogen—epidemiology, clinical picture and pathogenesis
Author(s) -
Adouchief Samuel,
Smura Teemu,
Sane Jussi,
Vapalahti Olli,
Kurkela Satu
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
reviews in medical virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.06
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1654
pISSN - 1052-9276
DOI - 10.1002/rmv.1876
Subject(s) - sindbis virus , alphavirus , alphavirus infection , biology , virology , disease , epidemiology , pathogenesis , natural history , virus , outbreak , immunology , malaise , arbovirus , medicine , rna , pathology , genetics , ecology , gene
Summary Sindbis virus (SINV; family Togaviridae , genus Alphavirus ) is an enveloped RNA virus widely distributed in Eurasia, Africa, Oceania and Australia. SINV is transmitted among its natural bird hosts via mosquitoes. Human disease caused by SINV infection has been reported mainly in South Africa and in Northern Europe. Vector mosquito abundance affects the annual incidence of SINV infections with occasional outbreaks of up to 1500 patients. Symptoms include fever, malaise, rash and musculoskeletal pain. In a significant portion of patients the debilitating musculoskeletal symptoms persist for years. Chronic disease after SINV infection shares many features with autoimmune diseases. Currently there is no specific treatment available. Recently SINV infections have been detected outside the previously known distribution range. In this article we will summarize the current knowledge on epidemiology, clinical disease and pathogenesis of SINV infection in man. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.