Despite the fact that the chikungunya viral infection is a neglected disease, complications such as hemorrhagic fever, arthritis, and lymphopenia remain a health concern. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the chikungunya virus in the Southern Region, Saudi Arabia. Enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction have been compared between samples. Forty samples from two southern hospitals in Saudi Arabia were collected between December 2019 and February 2020 and screened for chikungunya virus IgG antibodies and for viral RNA. Selection criteria were based on hematological parameters and rheumatological profiles such as rheumatoid factor, c-reactive protein, anti-nuclear antibody, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) of out-patients. One confirmed case of chikungunya virus was detected using the ELISA test. However, no viral RNA was detected in any of the samples. This suggests that the virus is cleared rapidly in patients. Chikungunya is a neglected viral disease in Saudi Arabia. Future work should focus on detailed investigation of this viral infection and its vectors.

中文翻译：

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沙特阿拉伯南部地区基孔肯雅病毒检测

尽管基孔肯雅病毒感染是一种被忽视的疾病，但出血热、关节炎和淋巴细胞减少等并发症仍然是一个健康问题。本研究的目的是确定沙特阿拉伯南部地区基孔肯雅病毒的流行情况。已对样品之间的酶免疫测定和聚合酶链反应进行了比较。2019 年 12 月至 2020 年 2 月期间，从沙特阿拉伯的两家南部医院收集了 40 个样本，并筛查了基孔肯雅病毒 IgG 抗体和病毒 RNA。选择标准基于门诊患者的血液学参数和风湿病学特征，例如类风湿因子、c反应蛋白、抗核抗体和抗环瓜氨酸肽（anti-CCP）。使用 ELISA 测试检测到一例基孔肯雅病毒确诊病例。然而，在任何样本中均未检测到病毒 RNA。这表明病毒在患者体内被迅速清除。基孔肯雅热是沙特阿拉伯一种被忽视的病毒性疾病。未来的工作应侧重于对这种病毒感染及其载体的详细调查。