PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 9, No. 3, December 2025
Pages 586-594
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/5202/90.0350
Seroprevalence of Dengue Virus among Febrile Patients in Southwestern Nigeria
Afolabi M. Akinpelu1,2, Anyebe B. Onoja3, Ajao O. Idowu2, Gideon M. Ned3, Andrew M. Adamu4, Olukemi Y. Adesiji1, Olugbenga Olowe1, Olusola Ojurongbe1, Oluyinka O. Opaleye1.
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. Ogbomo-so. Oyo State Nigeria.
2Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Nigeria
3Department of Virology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
4James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Abstract
Background: Dengue virus, a rapidly expanding global health concern, is spreading to new regions due to climate change and the proliferation of competent mosquito vectors. In Nigeria, dengue fever is often underdiagnosed and underreported, necessitating sero-epidemiological studies to inform public health policy.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional sero-surveillance study among 451 febrile outpatients in four south-western Nigerian states (Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo). Plasma samples were collected and screened for anti-dengue IgG and IgM antibodies using rapid immunochromatography kits.
Results: The overall seroprevalence rates for IgM and IgG were 0.9% (4/451) and 4.7% (21/451), respectively. The highest IgG seroprevalence (13.7%) was observed among individuals aged 31-40 years (p < 0.05). Past DENV exposure was more common among males (6.6%) than females (3.1%), with Oyo state having the highest rate (6.5%). Education level significantly influenced past infection (p < 0.05). Notably, 2.6% of children aged 0-10 years have recent dengue infections.
Conclusion: Our study reveals ongoing and previous dengue infections in southwestern Nigeria, highlighting the need for routine dengue screening in febrile patients. These findings have significant implications for public health policy and disease surveillance in Nigeria.
Keywords: Dengue, IgM, IgG, Seroprevalence, Southwest Nigeria