DENGUE VIRUS INFECTION AND LEISHMANIASIS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A MEDICAL HEALTH CENTER IN THE RURAL COMMUNITY OF ILARA-MOKIN, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Dengue and leishmaniasis are serious diseases that the World Health Organization (WHO) characterizes as lacking effective control measures. Transmitted by insect vectors and can result in epidemic outbreaks. Sustained control of the vectors are difficult for dengue and leishmaniasis because their high reproductive potential allows the vector populations to recover quickly after intervention wherever adequate breeding conditions exist. Because of their misdiagnosis or underdiagnosed, it is endemic in the tropical countries. Prevalence and epidemiology of these diseases is poorly understood and misdiagnosed in Nigeria, in most cases with malaria. Our study aims to investigate dengue virus and leishmaniasis co-infections in patients visiting a rural community medical center in Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for two months. SD Dengue Duo and Bio-rad IT Leish serological test kits was used for the samples analysis. This study examined 101 samples which were simultaneously tested for the target infections. In about 23.76% of the samples (24 samples) were positive for dengue infections. Gender wise, more males (79.17%) than females (20.83%) tested positive to the virus infection. 37.5% of the positive samples were primary infections, 91.6% were past or secondary infections and 33.3% of the samples show late primary infections and early secondary infections. Only 1 sample was positive for Leishmaniasis. The majority of the study population had no pre-knowledge of dengue infection and leishmaniasis as they are carriers of the diseases, providing new insights on both incidence and prevalence. It was discovered that those from villages especially the South-South of Nigeria tested positive the most as carriers of the diseases. Therefore, these areas need special attention for surveillance and treatment for preventive measures. In addition, this study recommends a concerted effort by all stakeholders to enlighten the people about dengue infection and leishmaniasis, and its prevention and eradication from such regions.