Profile of several autoantibodies, complement and vitamin D levels in Brazilian patients with Chikungunya infection

Introduction. Chikungunya virus infection (CKV) may lead to chronic arthritis in up to 40% of the patients. There are previous data regarding positive auto antibodies in CKV. Objective is to systematically evaluate the prevalence of auto antibodies in CKV patients. Methods. All study participants had clinical manifestations being CKV positive at least serologally or by RT-PCR data. The following autoantibodies were assessed: antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, anti-U1RNP, IgG and IgM anticardiolipin, anticyclic citrullinated peptide (antiCCP), rheumatoid factor (RF), antiribosomal P protein, lupus anticoagulant, anti-Jo-1 and anti-Scl-70. CH100, C3 and C4 complement components, serum levels of immunoglobulins, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, antithyroglobulin, antithyroperoxidase, TRAb, 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), dengue and zika IgG and IgM antibodies were also measured. Results. 30 CKV patients were included. Mean age was 59.1±15.7 years, 85% females and 77% Caucasian subjects. Disease duration comprised 4.9±4.0 months. Oligoarthritis was observed in 93% cases. Mean C-reactive protein levels were 10.1±6.8 ng/dL, erythrocyte sedimentation rate — 34.2±19.9 mm/1^st hour and alpha1-acid glycoprotein 115.5±52.6 mg/dL. Intramuscular betamethasone depot single dose injection was administered in 54%, prednisone — in 15% and methotrexate — in 23% cases. Importantly, 1/30 (3.3%) cases was positive for ANA, 4/30 (13.3%) — for RF and none was positive for anti-CCP or any other autoantibodies. Complement and immunoglobulin levels were all within the normal range. Low levels of 25OHD were observed in 88% cases.