Title: Genomic Characterization of Circulating Dengue Virus, Ethiopia, 2022â2023
Authors: Abera A, Tegally H, Tasew G, Wilkinson E, Ali A, Regasa F, Bitew M, Belachew M, Chabuka L, Mwanyika G, Tshiabuila D, Giandhari J, Pillay S, Poogavanan J, Moir M, Kraemer M, Khan K, Huber C, Tollera G, de Wit T, Baxter C, Lessells R, Wolday D, Beyene D, de Oliveira T, .
Journal: Emerging Infectious Diseases,31(3):. doi: 10.3201/eid3103.240996.: (2025)
Abstract
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 wholegenome 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. Cocirculation 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.
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Citation: Abera A, Tegally H, Tasew G, Wilkinson E, Ali A, Regasa F, Bitew M, Belachew M, Chabuka L, Mwanyika G, Tshiabuila D, Giandhari J, Pillay S, Poogavanan J, Moir M, Kraemer M, Khan K, Huber C, Tollera G, de Wit T, Baxter C, Lessells R, Wolday D, Beyene D, de Oliveira T, . Genomic Characterization of Circulating Dengue Virus, Ethiopia, 2022â2023 Emerging Infectious Diseases,31(3):. doi: 10.3201/eid3103.240996.: (2025).