Publication Highlight: Genomic Characterization of Circulating Dengue Virus, Ethiopia, 2022 - 2023
Together with members of the EpiGen Ethiopia consortium, our GenPath Africa colleagues Tulio de Oliveira, Cheryl Baxter and Eduan Wilkinson from Stellenbosch University (SU) examined the genetic diversity of a recent dengue virus outbreak in Ethiopia. This marks the first joint publication between the GenPath Africa and EpiGen Ethiopia consortia, an important collaboration as part of the wider GenEpi Network.
What is this publication about?
During the 2023 nationwide dengue virus (DENV) outbreak in Ethiopia, researchers conducted clinical surveillance at three sentinel hospitals, screening serum samples for arboviruses using real-time – genomic analysis (RT-PCR). They detected DENV in 10.4% of the samples, identifying two serotypes: DENV-1 and DENV-3. Genetic analysis revealed one transmission cluster of DENV-1 closely related to the 2023 Italian DENV outbreak, and two clusters of DENV-3 linked to an outbreak in India.
Why is this important?
This study provides the first comprehensive genomic analysis of DENV in Ethiopia. It was also an important collaboration between the GenPath Africa and EpiGen Ethiopia investigators as part of the GenEpi Network, during which GenPath investigators provided training to the EpiGen team and assisted with the genomic sequencing and data analysis of samples.
How can this make a difference?
The co-circulation of these serotypes in Ethiopia underscores the potential for severe dengue outbreaks. The study emphasizes the need for intensified surveillance and coordinated public health responses to mitigate the threat of severe dengue in the region. Moreover, the collaboration between GenEpi Network consortia has strengthen capacity for in-country DENV surveillance, which can help improve response time and reduce the likelihood of future dengue outbreaks.
Adugna Abera, Houriiyah Tegally, Geremew Tasew, Eduan Wilkinson, Abraham Ali, Feyisa Regasa, Molalegne Bitew, Mahlet Belachew, Lucious Chabuka, Gaspary Mwanyika, Derek Tshiabuila, Jennifer Giandhari, Sureshnee Pillay, Jenicca Poogavanan, Monika Moir, Moritz U.G. Kraemer, Kamran Khan, Carmen Huber, Getachew Tollera, Tobias F. Rinke de Wit, Cheryl Baxter, Richard Lessells, Dawit Wolday, Dereje Beyene, Tulio de Oliveira, and CLIMADE Consortium. "Genomic Characterization of Circulating Dengue Virus, Ethiopia, 2022–2023." Emerging Infectious Diseases, 31(3):516-525, March 2025. doi:10.3201/eid3103.240996.
