Asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of major cities of Pakistan

Objective: To determine the asymptomatic dengue infection in adults of Pakistani population.Methods: This study was conducted in five major cities(Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore,Multan, and Peshawar) of Pakistan.A total of 5 230 adults aged 18 years and above without a history of dengue fever at any point in their life were enrolled from participating laboratories.Those who were confirmed for dengue previously were excluded.Of the total, 62.6%(n = 3 276) were male with an average age of 34.6 years.Participants were briefed about the objectives of the study, and written consent was obtained to perform dengue Ig G test using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The brief information related to age, gender and area was also taken on proforma.Results: Overall 32.3%(n = 1 691) was having asymptomatic dengue infection which was 67.5%(n = 756) in Karachi followed by 39.1%(n = 391) in Islamabad, 29.9%(n =316) in Lahore and 21%(n = 228) in Peshawar and none from Multan.More males were affected with asymptomatic dengue infection than females.The asymptomatic dengue infection was significantly higher in different cities; however, there was no significant difference with respect to age groups.Conclusions: The asymptomatic dengue infection is higher in cities i.e.Karachi,Islamabad and Lahore which are at risk of developing secondary dengue infections.There is a need of awareness among the public about secondary dengue infection.