Assessment of breeding sites and seroprevalence of dengue in an urban area of Puducherry – A community-based study

Background: Dengue virus infection is an important global public health issue. India is one of the high-burden countries with the resurgence of dengue in recent years. Surveillance based on hospital data can be misleading. Seroprevalence studies in the community are extremely useful in measuring the extent of transmission. This community-based study was done to identify the breeding sites of the Aedes mosquito and measure the seroprevalence of dengue infection in an urban area of Puducherry. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done for 6 months in an urban area of Puducherry to assess the breeding sites for dengue and to find the serological prevalence of dengue. House-to-house visits were done in the study area to collect details on sociodemographic data, environmental data, and breeding sites for dengue. Blood samples were obtained from all willing participants aged 9 years and above to detect specific immunoglobulin G antibodies to dengue virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The seroprevalence of dengue infection was found to be 8.3%. Flower vase with water 72 (18%), animal water container 32 (8%), roof gutter/sunshades, 25 (6.3%), and open water storage tanks 18 (4.5%) were the most commonly prevalent breeding sites in the study area. The houses with potential breeding sites, such as roof gutters and sunshades, were significantly associated with the prevalence of dengue seropositivity among the study participants. Conclusion: The seroprevalence was found to be relatively low in the study area and the potential breeding sites for dengue were identified.