title: Emergence of chikungunya seropositivity in healthy Malaysian adults residing in outbreak-free locations: chikungunya seroprevalence results from the Malaysian Cohort.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 1998, Malaysia experienced its first chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreak in the suburban areas followed by another two in 2006 (rural areas) and 2008 (urban areas), respectively. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of documented data regarding the magnitude of CHIKV exposure in the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of chikungunya virus infection in healthy Malaysian adults residing in outbreak-free locations.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross sectional study of chikungunya (CHIK) seroprevalence was carried out in 2009 amongst The Malaysian Cohort participants living in four states (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan). A total of 945 participants were randomly identified for the study. Potential risk factors for CHIK infection were determined via questionnaires, and IgG antibodies against CHIK were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Logistic regression identified risk factors associated with CHIK seropositivity, while geographical information system was used for visual and spatial analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From the 945 serum samples tested, 5.9% was positive for CHIK IgG. Being male, Malay, rural occupancy and Negeri Sembilan residency were identified as univariate predictors for CHIK seropositivity, while multivariate analysis identified being male and rural occupancy as risk factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provided evidence that CHIK is slowly emerging in Malaysia. Although the current baseline seroprevalence is low in this country, increasing number of CHIK cases reported to the Malaysia Ministry of Health imply the possibility of CHIK virus becoming endemic in Malaysia.
authors: UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Nor Azila Muhammad
authors: NA
authors: Azami
authors: Sharifah Azura
authors: SA
authors: Salleh
authors: Shamsul Azhar
authors: SA
authors: Shah
authors: Hui-min
authors: HM
authors: Neoh
authors: Zulhabri
authors: Z
authors: Othman
authors: Syed Zulkifli Syed
authors: SZ
authors: Zakaria
authors: Rahman
authors: R
authors: Jamal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018354:Alphavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D065632:Chikungunya Fever; D002646:Chikungunya virus / Q000276:immunology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G
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