Prevalence of Chikungunya, Dengue, and West Nile arboviruses in Iran based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Arboviruses, including Chikungunya (CHIKV), Dengue (DENV), and West Nile (WNV) viruses, are significant viral threats that affect numerous people globally each year. This report explores the prevalence of these viruses in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The present survey was performed with a systematic review and meta-analysis method on the seroprevalence of WNV, CHIKV, and DENV using the ELISA test. Based on this, by search in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar scientific databases, all relevant published papers were sorted out and reviewed. Power ratification of data was carried out with a random effects model in meta-analysis, meta-regression, I2 index, and Egger test. Results: Twelve published papers between 2000 and 2024 were embodied in this meta-analysis report. The seroprevalence of positive ELISA test for WNV in Iran was estimated at 12.9% (CI=95%: 7.4-18.4), and for CHIKV at 6.2% (CI=95%: 0.6-11.8). Regarding DENV, only two studies were conducted with a zero prevalence in one study, and a seroprevalence of 5.6% in another study. Conclusion: According to these data, WNV, CHIKV, and DENV fevers have been detected in Iran using ELISA test. Considering the seropositivity of WNV and CHIKV, and the finding of these viruses from several provinces, it could be for granted that these two viruses are ubiquitous and DENV fever is sporadic in Iran. Keywords: Arbovirus, Chikungunya, Dengue, ELISA, Meta-analysis, Virus, WNV.