Mayaro virus detection in the western region of Pará state, Brazil

INTRODUCTION  Mayaro virus (MAYV) was found in Pará state, Brazil, in 1955. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in different regions of the country.

METHODS:  Serum sample were collected from 49 individuals in 2016 and were initially tested for dengue virus (DENV) by real-time (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DENV-negative samples were tested for MAYV and Oropouche virus (OROV) by multiplexed RT quantitative PCR.

RESULTS:  All samples were negative for DENV and OROV, but MAYV was detected in four samples.

CONCLUSIONS:  Differential diagnoses of acute febrile syndrome are required, especially in regions where several arboviruses with similar clinical manifestations are endemic.

Keywords:
Arbovirus; Mayaro virus; Molecular diagnosis; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction