Epidemiology and seropositivity of dengue fever cases in a rural tertiary care hospital of western Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue fever is rapidly emerging in India, even in non endemic areas. Dengue fever is more commonly seen in adults and older children. It was earlier confined to urban areas and now has penetrated into rural setup. Clinical presentation varies from mild to severe fatal form; therefore laboratory diagnosis is very essential. Objective: To study the seropositivity of clinically suspected dengue fever cases Material and method: Blood samples from clinically suspected dengue fever cases were screened for NS1 dengue virus antigen and IgM and IgG dengue specific antibodies by rapid immuno chromatographic test (ICT) Dengue Day 1 kit (Mfd by J. Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd). Result: Out of total 917 blood samples tested, 281(30.6%) were positive for one or more of three markers. Of 281 blood samples NS1 was positive in 198 cases while NS1 with either IgM or IgG was positive in 16 cases. Only IgG in 25cases and only IgM in 28 cases was observed. All the three parameters were positive in 3 cases. Conclusion: From the present study it can be concluded that the dengue cases are on rise and this underlines the need for continuous surveillance and rapid implementation of dengue control programme.