Seroprevalence, Molecular Detection, and Risk Factors Associated with Dengue Virus Infection among Febrile Patients in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

Dengue virus infection is an emerging public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, yet its contribution to febrile illnesses in northeastern Nigeria remains inadequately characterized. This study investigated the seroprevalence, molecular detection, and risk factors associated with dengue virus infection among febrile patients in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 febrile patients aged 5–45 years recruited from the Federal Medical Centre and Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected from each participant, and plasma was screened for dengue-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen using a rapid diagnostic test. Viral RNA was extracted from plasma and subjected to real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Information on sociodemographic characteristics, household environmental conditions, and behavioral practices was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Dengue serological markers were detected in 5 of the 200 participants (2.5%), comprising three IgG-positive and two NS1- positive cases, while no IgM-positive case was identified. Real-time RT-PCR did not detect dengue viral RNA in any of the tested samples; however, successful amplification of the internal control and positive control confirmed assay validity. Among the assessed risk factors, the presence of open ponds near participants’ homes was significantly associated with dengue serological positivity (P = 0.034), whereas other environmental and behavioral factors showed no significant associations (P > 0.05). The study provides evidence of dengue virus exposure among febrile patients in Jalingo and highlights the need for strengthened dengue surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, and environmental vector-control interventions.