Chandipura virus: an emerging neurotropic pathogen and its public health implications in India

The Chandipura Virus (CHPV), belonging to the Vesiculovirus genus and classified under the Rhabdoviridae family, has emerged as a significant neurotropic pathogen in India, especially due to its involvement in several outbreaks that led to high mortality rates among children, often within 24 h of symptom onset. The outbreaks in 2003–2004 in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat reported fatality rates between 56 and 75%, primarily manifesting with encephalitic symptoms. Research indicates that CHPV replication in neuronal cells peaks within 6 h post-infection, causing rapid apoptosis, which may explain the rapid onset of fatality in children. Phlebotomine sandflies are considered vectors for CHPV transmission, supported by virus isolations and evidence of transovarial and venereal transmission. Significant advancements have been made in diagnostics, preventive measures, vaccines, and antiviral therapies. Two vaccine candidates—a recombinant and an inactivated vaccine—as well as siRNAs aimed at viral proteins, are currently pending clinical trials. The use of Rhabdomyosarcoma and Phlebotomus papatasi cell lines, along with embryonated chicken eggs, has been valuable for virus isolation and research. Despite these efforts, CHPV continues to pose a major health threat in certain regions of Central India, demanding immediate focus from healthcare professionals and public health officials.