Local researchers score breakthrough on chikungunya fever
By Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 05 March 2009 1057 hrs

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SINGAPORE : Local researchers have found three specific biomarkers which can identify accurately the severity of chikungunya fever. Chikungunya fever, like dengue fever, is a mosquito-borne disease.

Researchers said the new finding can help doctors forecast the course and outcome of the disease, especially the chances of recovery much quickly, as the biomarkers can be easily detected and measured in the blood.

The study was conducted by researchers at A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network and the Communicable Disease Centre (CDC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

The principal investigator of the study, Dr Lisa Ng, said the discovery of the biomarkers can potentially lead to the development of treatments and reduce the severity of the disease and stop its progression.

It is the first comprehensive investigation of the many biological factors, such as cytokines and chemokines produced in the human body, in response to chikungunya virus infection.

The findings of the study were the result of investigations conducted on the blood samples of 10 people infected by the chikungunya virus in January 2008.

Associate Professor Leo Yee Sin, Clinical Director of the CDC, said further research is ongoing involving a larger number of cases.

The findings of the study were published online in the Public Library of Science ONE on January 21. - CNA /ls