Dengue virus infection and Skin Manifestations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Dengue virus infection is a severe systemic condition primarily transmitted by its main vector, Aedes aegypti. Skin rash may be the initial symptom in patients with dengue virus infection, which could be helpful for clinical diagnosis. This research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of skin manifestations associated with dengue virus infection worldwide.
Materials & Methods: Electronic resources such as Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), and Web of Science were searched to identify studies focusing on skin manifestations in patients with dengue virus infection between 2000 and 2024. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata software, and sources of heterogeneity were assessed using I2.
Findings: A total of 24 papers (six prevalence studies and 18 case reports/case series) were included. A meta-analysis of prevalence studies revealed that skin manifestations were reported in patients with dengue virus infection in three countries (India, Pakistan, and France), with an overall prevalence of 63.2% (95% CI: 54.4-71.1) among 962 dengue virus infected patients. Analysis of case reports/case series showed that among 19 dengue virus infected cases, skin rash and thrombocytopenia were the most common skin manifestations and laboratory indications, respectively.
Conclusion: Dengue virus infection could result in various dermal manifestations with distinct clinical symptoms and laboratory findings. These skin involvements may aid in the timely diagnosis of patients with dengue virus infection.