DENGUE VIRUS INFECTION AND LEISHMANIASIS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A MEDICAL HEALTH CENTER IN THE RURAL COMMUNITY OF ILARA-MOKIN, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2019-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
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.
Description
Staff Publication