Seroprevalence of Zika in Malaysia

Introduction Zika disease is an emerging vector-borne disease in many parts of the world. First isolated in Malaysia in 1966, the seroprevalence and risk factors of ZIKV in Malaysia are unknown. 

Methodology We conducted a population-based serosurvey in three states between April to July 2017. Blood samples were taken from 1,261 respondents in Johor (n=388), Sabah (n=409) and Kedah (n=464) were tested for the presence of antibodies against Zika virus (ZIKV) by anti-ZIKV IgM and IgG ELISA. Seroprevalence of ZIKV was estimated based on seropositivity of either anti-ZIKV IgM or IgG or both. Respondents were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for ZIKV seropositivity.  

Results Kedah had the highest ZIKV seroprevalence (33.9%), followed by Sabah (23.6%) and Johor (12.7%). Overall seroprevalence of ZIKV was estimated at 24.1%. Age (higher likelihood of seropositivity among age 18 years and above)and ethnicity (higher among 'Others' ethnic group) were significantly associated with ZIKV seropositivity, whereas self-reported history of dengue fever, wearing long trousers or sleeves and having screened windows at home were associated with less risk of ZIKV seropositivity. 

Discussion/Conclusions Our findings suggest that ZIKV is endemic and co-circulating with other arboviruses in Malaysia. 

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