Graphical abstract

Co-endemicity of SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus (DV) infection is becoming a matter of serious concern as it has been already reported that antibodies (Ab) elicited by SARS-CoV-2 infection can produce false-positive results in dengue IgG and IgM rapid tests and vice versa. Here we communicate that five of thirteen DV antibody-positive serum samples from Kolkata, archived in 2017 (predating the COVID-19 outbreak), produced false-positive results in SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM lateral flow-based rapid tests. Our results emphasize the importance of implementing tests with higher specificity to conduct sero-surveillance for accurate estimation of SARS-CoV-2/DV prevalence in regions where both viruses now co-exist.

Five of thirteen Dengue antibody- positive serum samples, dated 2017 (pre-dating the COVID-19 outbreak) produced false-positive results in SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM rapid strip tests. Our results emphasize the importance of NAT and/or virus antigen tests to complement sero-surveillance for definitive diagnosis of COVID-19/Dengue in regions where both viruses are co-endemic.

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