A cross-sectional study of acute dengue infection in paediatric clinics in Cameroon

Salomon Bonsi Tchuandom,Etienne Philémon Atabonkeng,Godwin Nchinda,Marcelle Irina Miste Fumba,Eithel Sylvian Massom,Jules-Roger Kuiate,Jules Colince Tchadji,Thibau Flaurant Tchouangueu,Monique Zambo Biloa

doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7252-9

Abstract

BackgroundDengue fever is the world’s fastest spreading mosquito borne viral infection. It is prevalent throughout both subtropical and tropical region, and affects over 128 countries. Dengue virus (DENV) infection poses a serious global public health challenge to three billion people, resulting in approximately 200 million cases of morbidity and 50,000 cases of mortality annually. In Cameroon like in most sub-Saharan African countries, DENV infection occur concurrently with other infectious diseases whose symptoms often overlap, rendering differential diagnosis challenging. This study aims at determining the frequency of acute dengue among febrile children under 15 years attending hospitals in some areas of Cameroon.MethodsA total of 961 children under the age of 15 were recruited in a cross-sectional study using systematic sampling technique and by selecting each subject out of the three. The study was conducted in 10 public health centers in Cameroon. Demographic data and risk factors of the subjects were obtained using well-structured questionnaires. Dengue virus NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG were analysed using a Tell me fast® Combo Dengue NS1-IgG/IgM Rapid Test. An in-house ELISA test for dengue specific IgM antibody was equally performed for confirmation. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Graph pad version 6.0.ResultsA prevalence of 6.14% acute dengue virus infection was observed among children with febrile illness with a significant difference (p = 0.0488) between males (4.7%) and females (7.7%). In addition, children who reportedly were unprotected from vectors, showed a comparatively higher prevalence of the disease seropositivity than those practicing protective measures.ConclusionDENV infection therefore is an important cause of fever among children in Cameroon. Thus, there is a need to include differential screening for DENV infections as a tool in the management of fever in children in the country.

Highlights

Dengue fever is the world’s fastest spreading mosquito borne viral infection
In this study, 961 febrile children were screened for seroprevalence of acute Dengue virus (DENV) using a Tell me fast® Combo Dengue NS1-Immunoglobulin G (IgG)/Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Rapid Test
This study showed that children under one year of age were less affected by dengue fever while 6.6% of older children were dengue positive, consistent with earlier findings in Nigeria [45]

Summary

Introduction

Dengue fever is the world’s fastest spreading mosquito borne viral infection It is prevalent throughout both subtropical and tropical region, and affects over 128 countries. Known as “tropical flu,” is a viral disease transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes [1]. This virus has four known circulating serotypes worldwide. Three billion people live in high-risk areas, making dengue a significant public health problem. This infection is responsible for very high mobility and mortality in urban and suburban areas of high endemicity [7]. The first identification of DENV in Cameroon was in 1987 [12], but several cases may remain undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or confused with other tropical diseases [7]

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