DENV and SARS-CoV-2 and their coexistence in an endemic area

Abstract

The circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in endemic regions of dengue fever and its confluence with DENV has been a reason for study. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of the simultaneous circulation of both viruses in an endemic region and estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with dengue infection. A retrospective search of epidemiological databases of both diseases was performed. The records in both databases were classified as Co-infection and reinfection, non-simultaneous infection, and initial dengue diagnosis. The estimated prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with dengue was 2%. No significant differences were observed in relation to the frequency of symptoms in patients with co-infection versus those with SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 was more frequent in non-simultaneous infections as a first infection followed by dengue acquired during the COVID-19 lockdown. Co-infections with both viruses occur in populations from dengue-endemic regions. Due to the similarity of symptoms during the first days of infection, it is important to study the clinical and epidemiological characteristics to reach an opportune diagnosis.

Keywords

• dengue fever
• covid-19
• co-infection
• coexistence
• endemic region