P-73 Innovations in arboviral diagnostics: implementation and impact of multiplex panel testing in Guyana, South America

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study analyzed secondary laboratory and surveillance data from arboviral samples collected between June 2024 and September 2025 through the National Public Health Reference Laboratory and the Vector Control Services. A total of 7,458 samples from ten administrative regions were included into the study. Diagnostic yield, geographic distribution, demographic variation and co-infection patterns were assessed using descriptive analysis frequencies and percentages.

Results: A total of n=7,458 febrile illness samples were tested using the multiplex arboviral panel. The overall diagnostic yield showed dengue positivity 17.3% (n=1,289). Oropouche virus was detected in n=4 (0.1%) cases, no zika nor chikungunya infections were identified, and one yellow fever case was confirmed. No co-infections were detected. Dengue geographic distribution was seen mostly in regions 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10 while oropouche was observed solely in region 5 and yellow fever in region 7.

Conclusion: The multiplex arboviral panel testing improved diagnostic yield and surveillance sensitivity in Guyana by enabling detection of multiple arboviruses using a single patient sample such as dengue, Oropouche and yellow fever noted in this study, thereby enhancing efficiency and aiding targeted public health action. While undiagnosed febrile illnesses must continue to be assessed alongside other key differentials like malaria and leptospirosis, these findings support early evidence for sustained integration of multiplex testing into national arboviral surveillance. Additionally, they highlight the potential value of panel expansion to include other circulating arboviruses in South America to further strengthen febrile illness diagnosis in Guyana.