Molecular Identification and Characterization of Different Dengue Virus Serotypes Reported in Jazan Area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Dengue virus (DENV) is the public health threat worldwide. In fact, since 1994, Kingdome of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was reported dengue-free country. Later, outbreaks have been reported in Jeddah and Makkah and the dissemination of new DENV strains and serotypes into different localities could be attributed to the annual displacement of pilgrims from dengue endemic regions. Therefore, early detection of multiple infections is a crucial factor for patient's hospitalization and symptomatic treatment. The objective of the current study was to detect, characterize and to analyse the magnitude of concurrent DENV infection in Jazan area as base data for future control strategies. A total of 123 blood samples from febrile patients at Jazan area were collected. Viral RNA was subjected to Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR. Dengue virus RNA from 12 RT-PCR positive blood samples was extracted, purified, the all viral genome sequenced, and their nucleotide sequences were searched for similarity in the GenBank. The RT-PCR results of 123 tested samples, showed 79 (64.2%) DENV positive while 44 (35.8%) are negative. DENV1 was detected in 63 out of 79 samples (79.7%) followed by DENV2 (13/79 =16.5%), and concurrent mixed infection with both DENV1 and DENV2 (3/79 = 3.8%), but DENV3 and DENV4 were not detected in all tested samples. Concurrent mixed infection with multiple DENV serotypes (DENV1, DENV2) was detected for the first time in Jazan area, KSA.