Dengue outbreaks: a constant risk for Reunion Island. Results from a seroprevalence study among blood donors

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2014 Jan;108(1):57-9. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trt110. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

Abstract

Background: Immunity against dengue virus (DENV) on Reunion Island could play an important role in the risk of dengue outbreaks but is rather unknown. A study was performed to estimate seroprevalence of antibodies against DENV among blood donors.

Methods: An age- and sex-stratified sample of 1825 sera was randomly selected.

Results: Overall seroprevalence was 3.1% (95% CI: 2.2-3.9%); seroprevalence increased with age and was much higher in women than in men.

Conclusion: The low level of herd immunity is consistent with the absence of an endemic circulation of DENV, and makes it probable that Reunion Island will face future outbreaks.

Keywords: Dengue; Outbreaks; Reunion Island; Risk; Seroprevalence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Blood Donors / statistics & numerical data*
  • Dengue / epidemiology*
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Distribution
  • West Indies / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral