Dengue fever is one of the most potentially vector-borne diseases caused by the dengue virus. This fever has emerged as the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne viral disease, with a great increase in incidence over recent decades. This review examined the global prevalence of dengue fever across different regions and populations, providing insights into its epidemiological and clinical characteristics. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed for studies using multiple keywords. Of the 252 articles identified, 21 met the criteria. Studies included reported prevalence data for dengue fever confirmed through laboratory diagnostics. The pooled prevalence of confirmed dengue fever was 32.9%, with a range of 1.9%-80.5%. Asymptomatic cases were notably higher, with a pooled prevalence of 56.9%. Seroprevalence across diagnostic markers varied with IgG (28.2%), immunoglobulin M (IgM) (15.6%), Ribonucleic acid (23.2%), NS1 antigen (28%), and combined IgG/IgM (29%). Malaria-dengue coinfections were reported in 4.2% of cases. Regional trends revealed significant variability, with Asia contributing 76.3% of imported dengue cases globally, followed by the Americas (15.7%). Asymptomatic cases accounted for a substantial burden, often undetected but critical in sustaining transmission cycles. Dengue fever represents a significant global health burden, with asymptomatic cases playing a critical role in transmission dynamics. Variability in prevalence across regions and diagnostic markers underscores the need for standardized surveillance and early detection strategies. Public health efforts should prioritize targeted interventions in high-burden regions and strengthen integrated disease management. Further research is needed to address regional disparities, the implications of asymptomatic infections, and coinfection dynamics to inform global dengue control strategies.
Key words: Dengue fever, prevalence, asymptomatic, global health, systemic review
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