Concurrent infection of dengue virus with malaria parasites among outpatients attending healthcare facilities in Benin city, Nigeria

Background: Dengue virus (DENV) and malaria parasites (MP) are among the common febrile diseases affecting the tropics and subtropics of the world. Both are mosquito-borne pathogens affecting humans and other animals.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 280 consented out-patients attending the selected hospitals and were analyzed. Malaria parasites were detected using microscopy and Malaria Ag Pf/Pan Rapid Test Device. Dengue virus was detected by serology and heminested reverse transcriptase PCR (hnRT-PCR) to target the flavivirus polymerase (NS5) gene.

Results: Malaria parasites recorded a total positivity of 151 patients (53.9%) using microscopy, while DENV antibodies (DENV IgM and DENV IgG) were positive in 16 (5.7%) and 39 (13.9%) patients, respectively. There was a concurrent infection between MP/DENV IgM in 13 (4.6%) patients and MP/DENV IgG in 27 (9.6%) patients. Molecular identification revealed DENV serotype 2 in circulation.

Conclusion: This study documents molecular evidence of dengue virus coexisting with malaria parasites in the study population, hence the need for efficient surveillance and control system.