Rapid Fire
Favipiravir Shows Promise Against Chandipura Virus (CHPV)
- 27 Jun 2025
- 3 min read
The ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has identified Favipiravir as a potential therapeutic drug against Chandipura virus (CHPV). In preclinical mouse studies, it showed reduced viral load and improved survival, but the results are preliminary. Further animal model validation is required before progressing to human clinical trials.
Chandipura Virus (CHPV)
- About: The Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a neglected arbovirus classified under the Vesiculovirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family.
- It is a cytoplasmic, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus, known for its ability to cause rapid-onset encephalitic illness, particularly in children.
- It is a neurotropic virus capable of affecting the central nervous system.
- Epidemiology and Endemicity: CHPV was first detected in 1965 in Maharashtra. Major outbreaks occurred in 2003 in Telangana (300+ cases, >50% fatality) and in 2024 in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
- It is now endemic to central India, especially rural and tribal areas, with outbreaks peaking during monsoon due to increased sandfly breeding.
- Transmission and Vectors: It is transmitted primarily by Phlebotomine sandflies, including Phlebotomus papatasi, and, in some cases, by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (vectors for dengue).
- The virus resides in the salivary glands of these insects and is spread through their bites.
- Vulnerable Population: The infection predominantly affects children under 15 years.
- Symptoms: Early symptoms mimic influenza, such as fever, headache, and body aches. Severe cases may progress to encephalitis, causing seizures, altered mental status, respiratory distress, anaemia, and bleeding tendencies.
- The virus can cause rapid neurological deterioration and high fatality rates if untreated.
- Current Treatment Status: There is no specific antiviral drug or vaccine for CHPV. Management is symptomatic and supportive.
Favipiravir
- Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug originally developed in Japan for the treatment of influenza.
- It functions by inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), an enzyme essential for the replication of RNA viruses.
- As an oral drug, it has been repurposed for use against several emerging RNA viruses, including Ebola, Lassa fever, Zika, and SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in emergency settings.
| Read More: Chandipura Virus Infection, Antiviral Drug Umifenovir |
