Diagnostics and Laboratory Techniques

The increase of imported and autochthonous cases of Arbovirosis like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses has led to the activation of an efficient diagnostic system that allows a rapid and reliable diagnosis in or- der to adopt appropriated control measures. Therefore, it is obvious why the diagnosis is essential, not only to limit the spread, but also to initi- ate prompt action in order to prevent morbidity and mortality in patients at higher risk for complications, such as children, pregnant women, and elderly patients with preexisting conditions that can worsen the clinical course. Laboratory confirmation is of the utmost importance to differ- entiate between dengue virus from chikungunya, since as described in Chapter 3 , both diseases occur with high fever and myalgias. Differential diagnosis is also useful to discern arbovirosis from other diseases that may have a similar clinical course such as leptospirosis or malaria, often con- fused with chikungunya in travelers returning from tropical areas. Finally, diagnosis is an essential tool in an active surveillance system, considering that international travel has enabled the introduction of these viruses from endemic areas into different zones where the climate holds the potential to start a local transmission cycle.