Pathogens (Feb 2024)

Lower Limb Paralysis Associated with Chikungunya in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Survey Report

  • Mathy Matungala-Pafubel,
  • Junior Bulabula-Penge,
  • Meris Matondo-Kuamfumu,
  • Samy Esala,
  • François Edidi-Atani,
  • Elisabeth Pukuta-Simbu,
  • Paul Tshiminyi-Munkamba,
  • Yannick Tutu Tshia N’kasar,
  • Trésor Katanga,
  • Etienne Ndomba-Mukanya,
  • Delphine Mbonga-Mande,
  • Lionel Baketana-Kinzonzi,
  • Eddy Kinganda-Lusamaki,
  • Daniel Mukadi-Bamuleka,
  • Fabrice Mambu-Mbika,
  • Placide Mbala-Kingebeni,
  • Edith Nkwembe-Ngabana,
  • Antoine Nkuba-Ndaye,
  • Daniel Okitundu-Luwa,
  • Steve Ahuka-Mundeke

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13030198
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 3
p. 198

Abstract

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Polio-associated paralysis is one of the diseases under national surveillance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Although it has become relatively rare due to control measures, non-polio paralysis cases are still reported and constitute a real problem, especially for etiological diagnosis, which is necessary for better management and response. From September 2022 to April 2023, we investigated acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases in Kinshasa following an alert from the Provincial Division of Health. All suspected cases and their close contacts were investigated and sampled. Among the 57 sampled patients, 21 (36.8%) were suspects, and 36 (63.2%) were contacts. We performed several etiological tests available in the laboratory, targeting viruses, including Poliovirus, Influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, Enterovirus, and arboviruses. No virus material was detected, but the serological test (ELISA) detected antibodies against Chikungunya Virus, i.e., 47.4% (27/57) for IgM and 22.8% (13/57) for IgG. Among suspected cases, we detected 33.3% (7/21) with anti-Chikungunya IgM and 14.3% (3/21) of anti-Chikungunya IgG. These results highlight the importance of enhancing the epidemiological surveillance of Chikungunya.

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