Dengue seroprevalence and its socioeconomic determinants in Faisalabad, Pakistan: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Socioeconomic disparities in the community make some groups more vulnerable to dengue infection. Methods: Fourteen dengue cases (IgM positive) served as index cases for the positive geographic cluster investigations. Results: Of 292 individuals, the overall dengue seroprevalence was 22.9% (IgM positive 4.8%; IgG positive 18.1%). The highest (45%) seroprevalence was reported in the most socioeconomically vulnerable lower class, followed by the middle class (39%). Orthogonal comparisons showed that socioeconomic factors play a significant role in the prevalence of dengue. Conclusions: An integrated approach is required to control the menace through vector control strategies and improvement of socioeconomic conditions.