Viral Surveillance in North Sulawesi Detects Various Infections

Targeted viral surveillance in Minahasa District, North Sulawesi, detected confirmed viral infections in 29% of enrolled patients presenting with febrile and respiratory illnesses during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period.

Key Clinical Takeaways:

• Molecular screening of 217 symptomatic patients at a hospital and primary health center identified confirmed viral infections in 63 participants.
• Influenza virus at 9.7%, dengue virus at 6.9%, and respiratory syncytial virus at 6.5% emerged as the most commonly identified pathogens among the cohort.
• Dengue virus serotypes 2 and 3 predominated in the 15 detected Flavivirus PCR panel cases, contrasting with prior 2019 surveillance data.

Altered land use and shifting human behaviors have brought people and animals into closer contact, raising the danger of a zoonotic spillover that could spark a pandemic. Because residents traditionally eat wildlife meat such as bats, rodents, snakes, and dogs, North Sulawesi faces an elevated threat of viral spillover and the subsequent spread of zoonotic diseases.

Researchers conducted molecular screening on biological samples gathered from symptomatic patients visiting a hospital and a primary health center situated within high-risk zones. Among the 217 patients enrolled, 63 patients had confirmed positive laboratory results for viral infection.

Influenza virus was detected in 9.7% of participants, dengue virus in 6.9%, and RSV in 6.5%. The majority of influenza A viruses detected were H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes.

Through BLAST analysis, experts found that these circulating strains closely matched influenza A genetic sequences documented across various international locations—such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Italy, and Denmark—during comparable timeframes. Patients showing signs of a cold and cough most frequently tested positive for influenza viruses, whereas RSV appeared prominently among children under five, especially those suffering from pneumonia.

Utilizing a Flavivirus PCR panel, scientists identified 15 dengue virus infections, and none of these instances involved encephalitis. Dengue virus serotype 2 and 3 were dominant, with only one Dengue virus serotype 4 identified.

Past research said that dengue virus serotype 3 dominated North Sulawesi in 2019 and tended to produce more severe clinical outcomes. The presence of multiple serotypes observed in the current findings highlights an evolving pattern of dengue virus circulation in the region that could influence disease severity through antibody-dependent enhancement.

Diagnostic differentiation between viral and bacterial infections based solely on clinical symptoms remains challenging in patients with respiratory illnesses. Additional diagnostic procedures such as complete blood counts, C-reactive protein measurements, and blood cultures are necessary to rule out bacterial causes and refine viral zoonoses surveillance.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.