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review · Viruses

Dengue Virus Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In plain language

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of dengue virus infection in Africa between 1960 and 2020. Researchers searched major databases and performed a meta-analysis using a random-effect model. They identified 45 outbreaks, predominantly in East and West Africa, with DENV-1 and DENV-2 being the most common serotypes. The overall prevalence of dengue was 29% during outbreaks and 3% during non-outbreak periods. Key risk factors included old age, lack of mosquito control, urban residence, climate change, and recent travel history. The findings highlight a significant dengue burden and increased risk of severe disease across the continent.

Key takeaways

  • Dengue virus infection poses a significant public health burden in Africa.
  • Between 1960 and 2020, 45 dengue outbreaks were identified in Africa, mainly in East and West regions.
  • Dengue virus serotypes 1 and 2 were responsible for 60% of epidemics.
  • The overall prevalence of dengue was 29% during outbreaks and 3% during non-outbreak periods.
  • Leading risk factors for dengue included old age, lack of mosquito control, urban residence, climate change, and recent travel.

Why it matters

Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of dengue in Africa is crucial for developing targeted public health strategies. This information can guide resource allocation, improve clinical management, and inform policy decisions to mitigate the impact of this widespread viral infection on communities.

Commercialisation angle

The abstract indicates that the findings provide useful information for clinical practice and health policy decisions to implement effective interventions. It does not suggest specific commercialisation pathways, products, or services, but rather supports public health planning and intervention strategies.

AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.

Abstract

Dengue contributes a significant burden on global public health and economies. In Africa, the burden of dengue virus (DENV) infection is not well described. This review was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dengue and associated risk factors. A literature search was done on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases to identify articles published between 1960 and 2020. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model at a 95% confidence interval, followed by subgroup meta-analysis to determine the overall prevalence. Between 1960 and 2020, 45 outbreaks were identified, of which 17 and 16 occurred in East and West Africa, respectively. Dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1) and DENV-2 were the dominant serotypes contributing to 60% of the epidemics. Of 2211 cases reported between 2009 and 2020; 1954 (88.4%) were reported during outbreaks. Overall, the prevalence of dengue was 29% (95% CI: 20-39%) and 3% (95% CI: 1-5%) during the outbreak and non-outbreak periods, respectively. Old age (6/21 studies), lack of mosquito control (6/21), urban residence (4/21), climate change (3/21), and recent history of travel (3/21) were the leading risk factors. This review reports a high burden of dengue and increased risk of severe disease in Africa. Our findings provide useful information for clinical practice and health policy decisions to implement effective interventions.

Research topics

  • Mosquito-borne diseases and control
  • Malaria Research and Control
  • Viral Infections and Vectors

Sustainable Development Goals

Read the original research

This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.

DOI: 10.3390/v13040536

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