Seasonal variation and Seroprevalence of Dengue fever in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever is a rapidly emerging arthropod born viral disease becoming an international public health problem. Approximately 500,000 people suffer from dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome with 20,000 deaths annually.

Objective: To identify seasonal variation and seroprevalence of dengue fever for primary and secondary dengue infections.

Methodology: The study was conducted on 4900 plus subjects with mean age of 30 years, admitted to Dow University Hospital, Karachi. Reported cases were diagnosed by immuno-chromatography kit, used to measure the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against dengue virus.

Results:  Seasonal variation of seropositive dengue patient from 2010 to 2013 showed most prominent dengue fever disease onset found in the month of October whereas least seen in the months from Jan to April. Age wise younger subjects were more prone to the infection with mean age of 21 to 30 years. 64% of the total febrile seropositive cases were male as compare to female patients noted 36%.

Conclusion: Dengue disease is a threat to Pakistani population, being a developing country there should be more focus in eradicating this debilitating disease, to reduce the economic burden. Through adapting vaccination strategies, proper sanitation and awareness programs. Special campaign for sprays and dengue control measures prior to month of October and fall season should be adopted essentially on regular basis.

Keywords:  Dengue fever, haemorrhagic fever, dengue virus, dengue Prevalence, IgG