Author:
Abera Adugna,Tegally Houriiyah,Tasew Geremew,Wilkinson Eduan,Ali Abraham,Regasa Feyisa,Bitew Molalegne,Chabuka Lucious,Mwanyika Gaspary,Tshiabuila Derek,Giandhari Jennifer,Pillay Sureshnee,Poogavanan Jenicca,Moir Monika,Kraemer Moritz U.G.,Khan Kamran,Huber Carmen,Tollera Getachew,Wit Tobias F. Rinke de,Baxter Cheryl,Lessells Richard,Wolday Dawit,Beyene Dereje,de Oliveira Tulio,
Abstract
ABSTRACTIn Ethiopia, dengue virus (DENV) infections have been reported in several regions, however, little is known about the circulating genetic diversity. Here, we conducted clinical surveillance for DENV during the 2023 nationwide outbreak and sequenced DENV whole genomes for the first time in Ethiopia. We enrolled patients at three sentinel hospital sites. Using RT-PCR, we screened serum samples for three arboviruses followed by serotyping and sequencing for DENV-positive samples (10.4% of samples). We detected two DENV serotypes (DENV1 and DENV3). Phylogenetic analysis identified one transmission cluster of DENV1 (genotype III major lineage A), and two clusters of DENV3 (genotype III major lineage B). The first showed close evolutionary relationship to the 2023 Italian outbreak and the second cluster to Indian isolates. Co-circulation of DENV1 and DENV3 in some regions of Ethiopia highlights the potential for severe dengue. Intensified surveillance and coordinated public health response are needed to address the threat of severe dengue outbreaks.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Reference40 articles.
1. World Health Organization. Disease Outbreak News; Dengue – Global situation. 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON498.
2. WHO African Region Health Emergency Situation Report-Multi-country Outbreak of Dengue, Consolidated Regional Situation Report # 001. 2023.
3. Ethiopia Steps Up Actions for Dengue Prevention and Control. World Health Organization Africa. 2014. Available from: https://www.afro.who.int/news/ethiopia-steps-actionsdengue-prevention-and-control.
4. Another dengue fever outbreak in Eastern Ethiopia—An emerging public health threat