Dengue fever is an emerging public health concern in the city of Multan, Pakistan: its seroprevalence and associated risk factors

Abstract

The prevalence of dengue IgG and IgM antibodies was investigated in 689 patients with suspected dengue. Of the 689 suspected cases, 373 (54.1%) were found to be positive for dengue antibodies, IgM being dominant. There was a significant relationship between incidence of dengue fever and season: all cases were reported during the rainy season, especially the post-monsoon season (89.5%), with none during the dry season. More male (79.3%) than female individuals were positive cases and the incidence was highest in the 21–49 year age group (63%). This is the first seroprevalence study reported from Multan, Pakistan.