HIV/AIDS: Research and Palliative Care (Jun 2017)
Survey of malaria and anti-dengue virus IgG among febrile HIV-infected patients attending a tertiary hospital in Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract
Jelili Olaide Mustapha,1 Anthony Uchenna Emeribe,2 Idris Abdullahi Nasir3 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, 2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, 3Department of Medical Laboratory Services, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, FCT Abuja, Nigeria Background: Dengue and malaria are infections, of great public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of HIV infection is high. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of dengue virus IgG antibodies and dengue/malaria coinfection among febrile HIV-infected patients attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, blood samples from 178 consenting HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy were collected and tested for plasmodiasis and anti-Dengue virus IgG using malaria microscopy and ELISA, respectively. Interviewer-based questionnaires were used to assess subjects’ sociodemographic variables and dengue risk factors. Results: Of the 178 screened participants, 44.4% were seropositive for dengue virus IgG antibody, whereas 29.2% were positive for Plasmodium falciparum. About 44.2% were positive for both dengue virus and P. falciparum. There was a statistical association between anti-dengue IgG and occupation (p=0.03) but not with age, residential area, educational level and patients’ gender (p>0.05). Seroprevalence of anti-dengue specific IgG was relatively higher in participants who adopted protective measures. There was a statistical association between seroprevalence of anti-dengue IgG and adoption of preventive measures (p<0.05). Conclusion: The high prevalence of malaria and dengue virus IgG indicates the need to strengthen vector control and dengue surveillance programs. Keywords: coinfection, seroprevalence, flavivirus, sydemism
