ASSOCIATION OF DENGUE ANTIBODIES (IgG, IgM) WITH MALARIA SEVERITY AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING MARYAM ABACHA WOMEN AND CHILDREN HOSPITAL, SOKOTO.

Abstract

Malaria and dengue fever are major vector-borne diseases that contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable due to immunological changes during gestation. While malaria remains highly endemic in Nigeria, dengue is increasingly recognized as an underdiagnosed contributor to febrile illness. This study investigated the association of dengue antibodies (IgG and IgM) with malaria severity among pregnant women attending Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto. A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 40 pregnant women attending antenatal care or admitted with febrile illness screened for malaria using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), and for dengue antibodies using serological assays. Sociodemographic data were collected via structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and Spearman’s correlation to assess associations between dengue antibody seropositivity and malaria parasitemia severity. Results obtained showed that 82.5% of participants had malaria parasitemia by microscopy, while 65% were positive by RDT. Malaria severity was distributed as mild (37.5%), moderate (32.5%), severe (12.5%), and no malaria (17.5%). Dengue IgG antibodies were detected in 40% of participants, while IgM antibodies were present in 7.5%. Correlation analysis revealed no statistically significant association between dengue antibody positivity (IgG or IgM) and malaria severity (p > 0.05). The study concludes that while dengue exposure is present among pregnant women in Sokoto, it does not significantly influence malaria severity. Malaria remains the dominant maternal health burden, with microscopy outperforming RDT in detection. The findings highlight the need for integrated vector control, improved diagnostic capacity, and enhanced awareness of dengue transmission.