Dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 Co-infection dynamics: An emerging threat among African countries

Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo; Ismail Rabiu; Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen

doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104398

Dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 Co-infection dynamics: An emerging threat among African countries

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Oct:82:104398. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104398. Epub 2022 Aug 22.

Authors

Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo^{1

2}, Ismail Rabiu³, Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen^{1

4}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, 240003, Nigeria.
² Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, 240003, Nigeria.
³ Department of Microbiology, School of Science and Information Technology, Skyline University, Nigeria, No, 2 Zaria Road, 700103, Kano, Nigeria.
⁴ Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, P.M.B 5017 G.P.O, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The rising circulation of the vector borne disease such as dengue fever amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in African countries is on the rise, which pose a significant public health threat. In this article, we discussed the co-infection of dengue virus (DENV) (the causative agent of dengue fever) and SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agents of COVID-19) as well as the associated risk factors involved. Our review highlights that the continuous increase in the incidence and disease mortality from the co-infection of dengue Virus and SARS-CoV-2 is as result of inadequate surveillance and limited testing centers. Second, the overlapping clinical features and indistinguishable symptoms from both infections is a major challenge. Third, lack of scientific prudence among stakeholders has played a significant impact on how to contain these diseases. Therefore, there is a need to reassess research priorities in understanding the risk factors involved from the coinfection. Also, the development of accurate point-of-care diagnostics for COVID-19 and dengue fever coupled with community-based health intervention programs is highly essential for control.

Keywords: Africa; COVID-19; Coinfection; Dengue virus; SARS-CoV-2; Vector borne diseases.