A Comparative Epidemiological Study on the Incidence of Dengue and Chikungunya IgM Antibodies in Ile-Ife and its Environs

Abstract

Background: Dengue and Chikungunya remain under-recognized illnesses in Nigeria, which are are often misdiagnosed as malaria due to similar symptoms and lack of routine arboviral testing. This study investigated the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya among apparently healthy and febrile individuals presenting to selected healthcare facilities in Ile-Ife and its environs, Osun State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 164 consenting participants attending healthcare facilities across rural, peri-urban, and urban communities in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ile-Ife. Venous blood samples were collected and screened for DENV IgM and CHIKV IgM using appropriate rapid diagnostic test kits. Necessary data to support the study were obtained from the participants using structured questionnaires.
Results: Dengue IgM was detected in 7.3% (12/164) while Chikungunya IgM was 0.6% (1/164) of the participants, with dengue cases distributed across all the three LGAs. Highest Dengue IgM was detected in the age group 11-20 and 21-30 (3%, 5/164). Both Dengue IgM and Chikungunya IgM are predominant in female with 11 (6.7%) for dengue and 1 (0.6%) for chikungunya. No individual was co-infected.
Conclusion: This study establishes recent dengue and chikungunya viruses exposure and a higher incidence of dengue in Ile-Ife. Both being RNA viruses calls for molecular analysis to know more about the adaptation strategies of the viruses. Strengthening differential diagnosis, improving community awareness, and enhancing vector control interventions are essential to improve case detection and reduce misdiagnosis.