Clinical and laboratory characteristics of dengue and COVID-19 coinfected patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Dengue–COVID-19 coinfection is one of the greatest emerging challenges in dengue-endemic areas during the continuing pandemic. With coinciding clinical and laboratory pictures, early diagnosis becomes burdensome, with management discrepancy. Methods: A descriptive study was performed on dengue–COVID-19 coinfected patients during July–August 2021 for an overview of disease progression, severity and outcome. A total of 11 patients who were positive for dengue NS1 and/or antidengue IgM were included in this study. Results: In total, 45.5% patients developed severe COVID-19 disease, 45.5% patients developed group B dengue fever and 9% patients developed group C dengue fever. Concurrent severity of both diseases was seen to be rare, except for in one patient. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and compatible management still stand as basic principles to prevent fatality and morbidity.