Introduction: Between 1998 and 2008 all dengue virus serotypes circulated in the Departamento de Santander, an endemic region in northeastern Colombia. No information is available as to the role of serotype 1 (DENV-1) with respect to epidemiology of dengue.
Objective: To analyze the relationship between changes in DENV-1 predominance with respect to genetic diversity, prevalence of others serotypes and occurrence of severe dengue.
Methods: Virus genetic diversity was studied by phylogenetic analysis comparing E gene sequences from 12 viral strains. Data about serotypes predominance obtained in previous studies and official data about dengue incidence were used for analysis.
Results: Selected viruses grouped into genotype V together DENV-1 from Latin America countries, and segregation in four lineages was evidenced. Changes in virus predominance coincided with replacement of lineage, increase in prevalence of DENV-2 and DENV-3 and increase of severe dengue.
Conclusion: Genetic divergence could have contributed to changes in DENV-1 predominance. The relationship of the virus with DENV-2 and DENV-3 could create scenarios that promote occurrence of severe cases. More studies are required to ascertain the precise role of serotypes in the epidemiology of dengue.