Genomic Characterization of Circulating Dengue Virus, Ethiopia, 2022–2023
In Ethiopia, dengue virus (DENV) infections have been reported in several regions; however, little is known about the genetic diversity of circulating viruses. We conducted clinical surveillance of DENV during the 2023 nationwide outbreak in Ethiopia. We enrolled patients at 3 sentinel hospital sites. Using reverse transcription PCR, we screened serum samples for 3 arboviruses and then serotyped and whole-genome sequenced DENV-positive samples. We detected DENV-1 and DENV-3 serotypes. Phylogenetic analysis identified 1 transmission cluster for DENV-1 (genotype III major lineage A) and 2 clusters for DENV-3 (genotype III major lineage B). The first DENV-3 cluster was closely related to an isolate from a 2023 dengue outbreak in Italy; the second cluster was related to isolates from India. Co-circulation of DENV-1 and DENV-3 in Ethiopia highlights the potential for severe dengue. Intensified surveillance and coordinated public health responses are needed to address the threat of severe dengue outbreaks.
Authors
- Mahlet Belachew (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6263-4779)
- Monika Moir (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1095-1910)
- Molalegne Bitew (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9016-2630)
- Tobias F. Rinke de Wit (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5876-2564)
- Gaspary Mwanyika (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5549-8393)
- Abraham Ali (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6762-2678)
- Túlio de Oliveira (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3027-5254)
- Moritz U. G. Kraemer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8838-7147)
- Dawit Wolday (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1181-1461)
- Getachew Tollera (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5575-8439)
- Richard Lessells (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0926-710X)
- Feyisa Regasa
- Geremew Tasew (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2797-824X)
- Carmen Huber (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3744-4663)
- Lucious Chabuka
- Cheryl Baxter (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6033-7655)
- Derek Tshiabuila (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5221-2126)
- Sureshnee Pillay (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9288-7996)
- Eduan Wilkinson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2503-9441)
- Kamran Khan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4367-960X)
- Dereje Beyene
- Jenicca Poogavanan
- Jennifer Giandhari
- Houriiyah Tegally
- Adugna Abera (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6572-8113)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Emerging infectious diseases
- Published
- 2025-02-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3103.240996
- Citations
- 7
- Primary Topic
- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 13.15