Serological Responses in Patients Infected with Mayaro Virus and Evaluation of Cross-Protective Responses against Chikungunya Virus

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Nov 29;106(2):607-609. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0579.

Abstract

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an alphavirus endemic to both Latin America and the Caribbean. Recent reports have questioned the ability of MAYV and its close relative, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), to generate cross-reactive, neutralizing antibodies to one another. Since CHIKV was introduced to South America in 2013, discerning whether individuals have cross-reactive antibodies or whether they have had exposures to both viruses previously has been difficult. Using samples obtained from people infected with MAYV prior to the introduction of CHIKV in the Americas, we performed neutralizing assays and observed no discernable neutralization of CHIKV by sera from patients previously infected with MAYV. These data suggest that a positive CHIKV neutralization test cannot be attributed to prior exposure to MAYV and that previous exposure to MAYV may not be protective against a subsequent CHIKV infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alphavirus / immunology
  • Alphavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Alphavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Alphavirus Infections / immunology
  • Alphavirus Infections / virology
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing / blood*
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Chikungunya Fever / diagnosis*
  • Chikungunya Fever / epidemiology*
  • Chikungunya Fever / immunology
  • Chikungunya Fever / virology
  • Chikungunya virus / immunology
  • Cross Reactions
  • Humans
  • Immune Sera / chemistry
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Peru / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immune Sera