First serological prevalence of dengue virus IgG antibody among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and is considered a public health problem worldwide. Pregnant women and infants are at risk of developing severe dengue, which has been linked to poor outcomes. This study sought to determine the prevalence of Dengue Virus IgG antibodies among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 94 pregnant women were enlisted, and after gaining consent, approximately 5 ml of whole blood was taken. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect the presence of IgG antibodies to the dengue fever virus. IgG antibodies prevalence to the dengue fever virus was found to be 2.1%. Women who were within 16 to 20 years (6.7%), single (2.6%), employed (3.8%), had primary education (5.3%) and resided in urban areas (4.8%) all had higher incidence rates. Although this study reported a low prevalence of dengue virus among pregnant women, intensive enlightenment on the preventive measures which include the use of insect repellant and wearing of long-sleeved shirts, among others, should be sustained.