Seroepidemiology of Dengue Fever and the Associated Sociodemographic, Clinical, and Environmental Factors in Lahore, Pakistan

Gul Sahar; Hifsa Mobeen; Muhammad Awais Ghafoor; Muhammad Hunain Baghdadi; Asma Fatima; Maha

Authors

Gul Sahar DMLT, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University Lahore
Hifsa Mobeen Senior Lecturer DMLT-Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University Lahore, Pakistan/PhD Scholar, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore
Muhammad Awais Ghafoor DMLT, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University Lahore
Muhammad Hunain Baghdadi DMLT, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University Lahore
Asma Fatima PhD Scholar, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore
Maha Department of Human Nutrition and dietetics, Government College University, Faisalabad

Keywords:

Dengue Fever, Seroprevalence, Risk Factors

Abstract

Dengue fever constitutes a major public health threat that predominantly affects warm-climate regions. The disease poses a threat due to its rapid transmission and potential for severe complications. In Pakistan, dengue outbreaks have become increasingly frequent, necessitating comprehensive studies to understand their epidemiological patterns. This study aimed to examine the Seroepidemiological profile of dengue fever in Lahore, Pakistan, focusing on the association between sociodemographic, clinical, and environmental factors among patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Social Security Teaching Hospital, Lahore, from June to November 2024. A total of 225 suspected or confirmed dengue patients were enrolled through convenience sampling. Sociodemographic, clinical, and environmental data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of venous blood were drawn aseptically and tested for dengue-specific IgM and IgG antibodies using ELISA (Panbio, Australia). The overall dengue seroprevalence was 55.6%, with 36% testing positive for IgM, 23.2% for IgG, and 40.8% for both. Male gender (AOR = 2.83; 95% CI: 1.41–5.67), age 21–30 years (AOR = 19.56; 95% CI: 3.26–117.33), and secondary education (AOR = 0.263; 95% CI: 0.014–4.81) were significantly associated with seropositivity. Middle-income status (AOR = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.002–0.08) showed a protective effect. Fever (AOR = 4.00; 95% CI: 1.76–9.08) and joint pain (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.05–4.14) were significant clinical predictors. Environmental risk factors included mosquito presence (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI: 2.37–7.40), irregular water supply (AOR = 9.78; 95% CI: 2.00–47.7), and absence of sewage network (AOR = 0.098; 95% CI: 0.018–0.539). The findings underscore significant associations among male gender, young adult age, secondary education, and dengue seropositivity, while middle-income status appeared protective. These insights support targeted awareness and prevention strategies tailored to demographic and socioeconomic contexts.