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Common occurrence of concurrent infections by multiple dengue virus serotypes
M A Loroño-Pino1, C B Cropp, J A Farfán
1Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|December 10, 1999
Summary
Concurrent dengue virus infections are increasing in the Americas due to the co-circulation of all four serotypes. This study detected multiple dengue virus serotypes in 5.5% of tested samples from Indonesia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The simultaneous presence of all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4) in communities, historically prevalent in Southeast Asia, has become increasingly common in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central/South America over the last two decades.
- This epidemiological shift suggests a potential rise in dengue virus co-infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency of concurrent dengue virus infections in regions experiencing the co-circulation of multiple serotypes.
- To assess the utility of advanced molecular and serological techniques in identifying multiple dengue virus infections.
Main Methods:
- Viremic serum samples and inoculated mosquito samples were collected during dengue epidemics in Indonesia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
- Samples were screened for virus isolation using state-of-the-art technology, including indirect immunofluorescence assays and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Main Results:
- Out of 292 tested samples, 16 (5.5%) yielded positive results for the presence of two or more dengue virus serotypes.
- The detection of multiple dengue viruses was confirmed through both indirect immunofluorescence and RT-PCR methods.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm the occurrence of concurrent dengue virus infections in the studied regions.
- The study highlights the importance of sensitive diagnostic tools for detecting multiple dengue virus serotypes, crucial for accurate diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance.