Dengue seroprevalence: data from the clinical development of a tetravalent dengue vaccine in 14 countries (2005–2014)

Abstract

Dengue seroprevalence data in the literature is limited and the available information is difficult to compare between studies because of the varying survey designs and methods used. We assessed dengue seropositivity across 14 countries using data from 15 trials conducted during the development of a tetravalent dengue vaccine between October 2005 and February 2014. Participants’ dengue seropositivity (n=8592) was determined from baseline (before vaccination) serum samples at two centralized laboratories with the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50). Seropositivity rates generally increased with age in endemic settings. Although seropositivity rates varied across geographical areas, between countries, and within countries by region, no major differences were observed for given age groups between the two endemic regions, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Seropositivity rates were generally stable over time. The proportion of participants who had only experienced primary infection tended to be higher in younger children than adolescents/adults. These results will help inform and guide dengue control strategies in the participating countries.

Immunogenicity of the CYD tetravalent dengue vaccine using an accelerated schedule: randomised phase II study in US adults

“…Negative control wells represented 100% viral load. Dengue or YF seropositivity was defined as antibody titres ≥10 (1/dil), as previously utilized in the vaccine’s clinical development [ 4 ] (Additional file 1 : Methods).…”

Prevalence of self-reported dengue infections in Manaus Metropolitan Region: a cross-sectional study

“…A household survey performed in 2005 and 2006 in the Northeast Region of Brazil also found that older age was a risk factor among 2,833 individuals who were examined and assessed for dengue antibodies 42 . Dengue seropositivity tends to increase with age due to cumulative exposure over time, especially in endemic locations, leading to increased susceptibility to infections 43 . However, severe dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are most common in children [44][45][46] .…”

Dengue in Western Uganda: a prospective cohort of children presenting with undifferentiated febrile illness

“…While seroprevalence studies that include older subjects may increase the sensivtivity for detecting historic dengue transmission, our findings do provide strong evidence for the presence of low-level transmission, particularly at the more urban site in Mbarara. In areas of higher transmission, dengue seroprevalence is typically 20% or greater in young children [31][32][33]. The few cases detected here, along with the large susceptible population make dengue introduction a major concern, and surveillance together with further investigation of the demographic, spatial, and entomologic factors that could support epidemic and endemic dengue infection in urban East Africa should be a high priority.…”