Sero-Prevalence in a Hyperendemic Area of Dengue: Barranquilla-Colombia

Abstract

Objective: estimate the sero-prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies for dengue and associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was done by means of a survey and serological estimation for IgG and IgM for dengue in subjects over 15 years of age with representability by location and gender. In all, 478 subjects were surveyed in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. The SPSS® program, version 22, was used for the statistical analysis. Sero-prevalence was estimated for univariate analysis and bivariate analysis using the odds ratio of proportions with p <0.05. Results: The sero-prevalence for IgG was 88.2% (95% CI = 85.2-91.1); for IgM, it was 11.8% (95% CI = 8.80-14.75). A statistical association was found between subjects ages 30 to 49 and those ages 50 to 69 (OR = 7.09 [2.6-19.3] and OR = 8.93 [2.9-27.0] respectively) who are part of the subsidized health system (OR = 2.56 [1.18-5.53]) and list homemaker as their occupation (OR = 3.38 [1.31-8.67]) Conclusions: The high sero-prevalence for IgG is explained by circulation of the four serotypes in the country, epidemic outbreaks every two to three years, and unfavorable behavior and practices related to water management. Behavioral changes are needed when it comes to dealing with predisposing factors, timely symptomatic care and active community and institutional surveillance in response to suspected cases.