Clinical and laboratory characteristics of dengue and COVID-19 coinfected patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND

Dengue-COVID-19 coinfection is one of the greatest emerging challenges in dengue-endemic areas during the continuing pandemic. With coinciding clinical and laboratory pictures, early diagnosis becomes burdensome, with management discrepancy.

METHODS

A descriptive study was performed on dengue-COVID-19 coinfected patients during July-August 2021 for an overview of disease progression, severity and outcome. A total of 11 patients who were positive for dengue NS1 and/or antidengue IgM were included in this study.

RESULTS

In total, 45.5% patients developed severe COVID-19 disease, 45.5% patients developed group B dengue fever and 9% patients developed group C dengue fever. Concurrent severity of both diseases was seen to be rare, except for in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis and compatible management still stand as basic principles to prevent fatality and morbidity.