{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Seroprevalence of dengue and chikungunya viruses among urban refugees in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
{Author}: Sahimin N;Low ZX;Hassandarvish P;Mohd Hanapi IR;Mohd Zain SN;Yahaya H;Abu Bakar S;
{Journal}: Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg
{Volume}: 118
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: 2024 May 1
{Factor}: 2.455
{DOI}: 10.1093/trstmh/trad097
{Abstract}: BACKGROUND: Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant global public health threat, with Malaysia's Klang Valley experiencing numerous outbreaks in densely populated urban areas.
METHODS: This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-dengue and anti-chikungunya antibodies among urban refugees in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, and identify associated risk factors.
RESULTS: High seroprevalence of anti-dengue immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM (60.0% [confidence interval {CI} 55.39 to 64.48] and 9.2% [CI 6.77 to 12.25], respectively) were observed among refugees >18 years of age (χ22=11.720, p=0.003), Kachin ethnicity (χ28=72.253, p<0.001), without formal education (χ21=3.856, p=0.050), homes near waste disposal sites (χ21=10.378, p=0.001) and refugees who have experienced flooding (χ21=5.460, p=0.019). Meanwhile, the overall seroprevalence of anti-chikungunya IgG and IgM was 9.7% (CI 7.15 to 12.73) and 10.8% (CI 8.09 to 13.93), respectively, with ages 12-18 years (χ22=6.075, p=0.048), Rohingya ethnicity (χ28=31.631, p<0.001) and homes close to waste disposal sites (χ21=3.912, p=0.048) being significant risk factors. Results showed a link to poor environmental living conditions, with an increase in the vector population with higher availability of breeding sites and thus exposure to dengue and chikungunya virus.
CONCLUSIONS: Health education among the community is the key to disease prevention, as there are no specific antiviral drugs for treatment and limited vaccine availability.