First detection and molecular characterization of a DENV‐1/DENV‐4 co‐infection during an epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Key Clinical MessageIn the 80s, dengue viruses type 1 and 4 (DENV‐1 and 4) were isolated in North region of Brazil. However, it was only after the DENV‐1 introduction in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) in mid‐1980s, that dengue became a nationwide public health problem. In 2009, this serotype re‐emerged causing an explosive epidemic in the country. DENV‐4 was first detected in RJ in 2011 and in 2012, and DENV‐1 and 4 were co‐circulating and responsible for a high number of cases notifications. Here, we describe the detection and molecular characterization of a DENV‐1/4 co‐infection in sample of 2012 in RJ.