[Seroprevalence of dengue infection in a district of the Paraguayan Chaco: Population based study].

BACKGROUND: Dengue is an infection of great global importance with different clinical presentations.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the seroprevalence of infection by the dengue virus in a district of the Paraguayan Chaco.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 418 inhabitants of three villages in the district of Villa Hayes, Paraguay, using a probabilistic household sampling, a questionnaire and blood sampling. Antibodies were determined by the ELISA capture IgG anti dengue method and factors associated with seroprevalence were evaluated.

RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence for dengue virus infection was 24,2% (CI95%: 20,2%-28,6%); 34% (n: 142) of respondents reported history of dengue in the previous 10-year period. Of the 276 people (66%) who reported no history of dengue infection, 37 (13%) tested positive, which points out asymptomatic individuals. The main factors associated with infection were: males with significantly higher prevalence than women (31%); to be over 60 years of age (44%), be residents of Villa Hayes (31,1%). No association with educational level or monthly income of the participants, nor housing condition, drinking water source or type of bathroom were observed. The larval infestation rate was 0,51%.

CONCLUSIONS: The relatively low seroprevalence of infection by the dengue virus is consistent with the small size of the district and highlights the potential risk of infection in future epidemics.