Seroprevalence of dengue virus among febrile patients in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory
Abstract
Dengue fever (DF) is a mosquito-borne viral infection that poses a significant and growing public health concern in Nigeria. Despite its increasing incidence, the burden and interaction of dengue with other febrile illnesses, such as malaria, remain poorly characterised. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence rates of DENV infection, assess its co-morbidity with malaria, and identify associated socio-demographic and environmental risk factors in a cross-section of 250 febrile patients attending primary healthcare facilities in two local area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Samples were screened for Malaria (using RDT) and DF antibodies (IgG and IgM) and antigen (NS1). This study revealed a relatively low prevalence of DF among febrile patients. The IgG seropositivity rate was 5.2% (n = 13/250), IgM antibodies was detected in one patient (0.4%), and the NS1 antigen was detected in two patients (0.8%), indicating ongoing infection. Two-thirds of participants (66%, n = 165/250) tested positive for malaria. Co-infection of DF and malaria was detected in only one patient. The majority of the participants lived in close proximity to refuse dumps (57.6%, n = 144/250), 67.6% (n = 169/250) routinely cleared household refuse within 48 h, and 50% (n = 125/250) slept under insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs). Participants who frequently sleep under ITNs had lower (OR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.07, 1.06; p = 0.041) dengue seropositivity compared to those who do not sleep under ITNs. Although statistically insignificant, our regression analysis also revealed that participants residing within the Abuja municipal area council were more likely (OR: 7.75; 95% CI 0.99, 60.59; p = 0.011) to test positive for DF IgG than in Bwari. This study revealed a relatively low prevalence of DF, a high prevalence of malaria in febrile patients, and co-morbidity of malaria and DF in one patient, which complicates the diagnosis and treatment of DF. These patients lived in environmental conditions that promote mosquito breeding. The findings underscore the need for prompt and targeted interventions, including community education on DF, improved distribution and use of ITNs, and the adoption of vector control measures.