Detection of Zika Virus and Dengue Virus Coinfections in Malaysia

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted by Nagasaki University has published findings on the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) coinfections among febrile patients in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The research, published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, collected serum samples from 188 patients and detected ZIKV in 13 patients, with 6 of them also testing positive for DENV. The study highlights the importance of serosurveillance systems to determine the circulation of ZIKV in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study collected 188 serum samples from acute febrile patients in Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia.
  • The ZIKV genome was detected in 13 (6.9%) patients, and among these, DENV was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 6 (3.2%) patients.
  • Thirty-seven patients (19.7%) tested positive for IgM against ZIKV, and 11 patients (5.9%) showed positive neutralization against ZIKV.
  • The positive rate included 7 (3.7%) individuals with coinfection of ZIKV-DENV, 12 (6.4%) individuals with confirmed ZIKV, and 3 (1.6%) individuals with probable ZIKV.
  • The study concludes that ZIKV infection and DENV-ZIKV coinfection were detected among febrile patients in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah during 2019-2020.
  • The research team emphasizes the importance of a serosurveillance system to determine the circulation of ZIKV in the area.

Statistics:

  • 188 serum samples were collected from acute febrile patients.
  • 13 (6.9%) patients tested positive for ZIKV.
  • 6 (3.2%) patients tested positive for both ZIKV and DENV.
  • 37 (19.7%) patients tested positive for IgM against ZIKV.
  • 11 (5.9%) patients showed positive neutralization against ZIKV.
  • 7 (3.7%) individuals had coinfection of ZIKV-DENV.
  • 12 (6.4%) individuals had confirmed ZIKV.
  • 3 (1.6%) individuals had probable ZIKV.

Sources:

  • Nagasaki University, Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine
  • Khine Mya Nwe, lead author of the study
  • The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
  • Amer Soc Trop Med & Hygiene, publisher of The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
  • Life Science Weekly, news outlet that reported the findings.