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

Abstract

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.