Dengue Seroconversion among Israeli Travelers to Tropical Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Israel Potasman, Isaac Srugo, Eli Schwartz
Primary Institution: Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
Hypothesis
What is the rate of dengue seroconversion among healthy, long-term travelers to disease-endemic areas?
Conclusion
The study found that 6.7% of Israeli travelers to tropical countries seroconverted for dengue fever.
Supporting Evidence
- Seven travelers (6.7%) seroconverted during travel.
- Four travelers (3.8%) tested positive for dengue IgM after travel.
- All four IgM-positive patients had traveled to Southeast Asia.
- The average length of stay abroad was 6.1 months.
- Confidence intervals were calculated with Statmate software.
- Two additional travelers had a rise in IgG titers without detectable IgM.
Takeaway
When young Israelis travel to tropical countries for a long time, some can get dengue fever, which is a disease spread by mosquitoes.
Methodology
The study involved testing serum samples from travelers before and after their trips to tropical countries for dengue antibodies.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the self-reported nature of travel and exposure data.
Limitations
The study's results may not be generalizable to older or short-term travelers, and serologic tests may have cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 22.4 years, with a majority being young adults.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 2.7-13.3%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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