Seroprevalence of Dengue Infection in Lahore During Rainfall Season of 2024

Abstract

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of dengue virus (DENV) IgM and IgG antibodies among clinically suspected dengue cases from different population groups in Lahore during the 2024 rainfall season. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Virology, Chughtai Institute of Pathology Lahore, Pakistan from Jul to Dec 2024. Methodology: A total of 681 clinically suspected dengue cases from various age groups were included. Serum samples were tested for anti-dengue IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgM and IgG results were analyzed independently. Results: Of the 681 cases, 70.3% (n=479) were seropositive for dengue IgM antibodies, while 17.9% (n=122) were seropositive for dengue IgG antibodies. The highest proportion of IgG seropositivity was observed in the (25–44) year age group. September recorded the highest number of IgM-positive cases, accounting for 51.9% (n=249) of all IgM seropositive cases. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of suspected dengue cases in Lahore showed evidence of recent and past dengue infection during the monsoon season. These findings highlight seasonal dengue transmission and support the need for continued surveillance during peak periods.