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High Burden of Dengue and Chikungunya virus in Paraguay: Seroprevalence Findings from Blood Donors
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  • Diego M. FLICHMAN,
  • Nelson MARQUEZ,
  • Matías Pereson,
  • Victor A. SÁNCHEZ S,
  • Andrea S. de la GÓMEZ FUENTE,
  • Cecilia González,
  • José Martín LEMA,
  • Espindola SL,
  • Carballo GM,
  • Alfredo Martinez,
  • Patricia Bare,
  • Federico Di Lello
Diego M. FLICHMAN
Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Medicina
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Nelson MARQUEZ
Republica del Paraguay Ministerio de Salud Publica y Bienestar Social
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Matías Pereson
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas
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Victor A. SÁNCHEZ S
Instituto de Prevision Social
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Andrea S. de la GÓMEZ FUENTE
Instituto de Prevision Social
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Cecilia González
Universidad Nacional de Asuncion Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas
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José Martín LEMA
Academia Nacional de Medicina
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Espindola SL
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas
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Carballo GM
Universidad Nacional de Misiones
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Alfredo Martinez
Centro de Educacion Medica e Investigaciones Clinicas Norberto Quirno
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Patricia Bare
CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina Instituto de Medicina Experimental
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Federico Di Lello
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas

Corresponding Author:fadilello@gmail.com

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Abstract

Introduction: The rise of reemerging pathogens such as DENV and CHIKV presents a major public health threat. With half the global population at risk, Paraguay experiences particularly high infection rates. Despite this, data on the seroprevalence of these viruses in this country is lacking. This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of anti-DENV IgG and anti-CHIKV IgG among blood donors in Paraguay. Material and Methods: Serum samples from 546 blood donors across seven regional departments and Asunción were collected from March to May 2023. Participants filled out a questionnaire and underwent eligibility screening. Serum samples were tested for anti-DENV IgG and anti-CHIKV IgG antibodies using immunoassays. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23.0. Results: The median (IQR) age of donors was 34 (26-44), and 47.1% were female. Anti-DENV IgG prevalence was 87.7%, ranging from 73.7% to 100% by location, with an age-related association. Donors aged 18 to 25 had a 79.2% seroprevalence, while those over 46 had the highest at 91.5% (p=0.010). Anti-CHIKV IgG prevalence was 37.2%, with men showing a seroprevalence nearly 10% higher than women, but no significant age-related differences were observed. Regional variation in CHIKV seroprevalence was not significant. Conclusions: This study reveals a high seroprevalence of both DENV and CHIKV in Paraguayan blood donors. The high DENV seroprevalence reflects the impact of past outbreaks, while the notable CHIKV prevalence underscores the effects of recent outbreaks. Continuous surveillance, improved diagnostics, and effective vector control measures are essential to mitigate these arboviruses’ impact in Paraguay.
20 Dec 2024Submitted to Journal of Medical Virology
23 Dec 2024Submission Checks Completed
23 Dec 2024Assigned to Editor
23 Dec 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
25 Dec 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned