What is the Chikungunya Virus Antibodies Test?

The Chikungunya Virus Antibodies test is a blood test that detects IgM and IgG antibodies produced by the immune system in response to Chikungunya virus infection. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral illness transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.

IgM antibodies usually appear during the early phase of infection and indicate recent exposure, while IgG antibodies develop later and may persist for years, indicating past infection. Testing both antibodies provides insight into the timing and stage of infection.

This test is commonly used in travellers, individuals returning from endemic regions and those presenting with unexplained fever and joint pain.

Why do I need a test for Chikungunya Virus Antibodies?

You may need this test if you have symptoms following travel to tropical or subtropical regions where Chikungunya virus circulates. The infection often causes sudden onset fever and severe joint pain, which can persist for months.

Identifying Chikungunya infection helps differentiate it from other mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue or Zika and supports appropriate clinical management.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe joint pain or swelling
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Recent travel to endemic areas
• Suspected mosquito-borne infection

Benefits of the Chikungunya Virus Antibodies Test

• Identifies immune response to Chikungunya virus
  Confirms exposure to the virus.
• Distinguishes recent and past infection
  IgM and IgG provide timing context.
• Supports diagnosis of febrile illness
  Useful in unexplained fever after travel.
• Differentiates from similar viral infections
  Helps distinguish from dengue or Zika.
• Non-invasive blood-based testing
  Simple venous blood sample.
• Useful in persistent joint symptoms
  Supports investigation of chronic arthralgia.
• Clinically established viral serology test
  Widely used in infectious disease assessment.
• Guides further monitoring and care
  Supports appropriate follow-up planning.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for Chikungunya virus IgG and IgM antibodies.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Your Results Explained

IgM Negative / IgG Negative

No antibodies detected.
This suggests no evidence of current or past Chikungunya infection.

IgM Positive (with or without IgG)

Suggests recent or active infection.
Symptoms usually correlate with acute illness.

IgG Positive / IgM Negative

Indicates past infection and immune exposure.
Joint symptoms may persist despite viral clearance.

Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms and travel history.