Molecular epidemiology of large dengue serotypes outbreak from Peru, 2023

Mestanza O.; Lizarraga W.; Medrano P.; García M.P.; Merino S.; Silva I.; Sevilla N.; Hurtado V.; Barcena L.; Izarra V.; Vasquez K.; Nuñez A.; Padilla C.; Bailon H.; Galarza M.; Figueroa D.; Marcelo A.; Jimenez V. · Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (2026) · DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760250204

Resumen

Background: Dengue has long been considered a neglected disease since its emergence. However, in recent years, the number of cases has increased significantly, particularly in tropical countries across Latin America. Objective: This study aims to describe the evolution of dengue during the 2023 outbreak in Peru. Methods: Here, we describe the analysis of 245 positive samples for dengue carried out by the National Institute of Health of Peru through genomic surveillance protocols, and analyze the evolution of serotypes and genotypes during the outbreak. Findings: We analyzed 245 dengue-positive samples sequenced by the National Institute of Health of Peru during the 2023 outbreak to describe the evolutionary dynamics of circulating serotypes. We identified DENV-1 genotype V (lineages D.1 and D.2), DENV-2 genotype II (Cosmopolitan, lineage F.1.2), and DENV-3 genotype III (lineage B.3). Phylogenetic and population-structure analyses revealed multiple introductions, rapid diversification, and wide dispersal of DENV-1 and DENV-2 across Peru, while DENV-3III showed a localized introduction in Lima with phylogenetic links to the Caribbean. Our findings provide the most comprehensive genomic characterization to date of dengue circulation in Peru in 2023 year, and highlight the need for sustained genomic surveillance. Conclusions: To summarize, the 3 serotypes of dengue in Peru show a dynamic diversity that becomes necessary to understand, to improve public health decisions by authorities.