Magnitude, Seasonal-variation, Serological and Hematological Profile of Dengue in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital, Karwar, India

Abstract

Dengue viral infection is the most widely spread arbo-viral disease in Indian subcontinent. High index of clinical suspicion especially during its peak season can be rewarding in diagnosing as well as early case management of anticipated DHF and DSS cases. To estimate the magnitude, seasonal-variation, serological as well as hematological aspects of dengue cases. This was a prospective observational study held in Microbiology and Hematology laboratories of our hospital for duration of one year from July-2019 to June-2020. All the suspected dengue cases were subjected to NS1-antigen, IgM and IgG antibody detection. The samples were also tested for platelet count, total count, haematocrit as well as hemoglobin estimation. All 1,550 dengue suspected cases were subjected to serological testing, among which 157 (10.1%) were positive. The most affected populations were the adult male. As the study was conducted for one year, we could observe the seasonal trend which peaked during post-monsoon. Out of 157 cases, 81.5%, 0.6% and 17.8% were determined as primary, secondary and old dengue cases respectively. There was a significant association between NS1 antigen and fever of </= 5 days duration with ‘p’ value< 0.00001. Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and increased haematocrit were witnessed in 15.9%, 28.6% and 35% respectively. Our study shows that we had a high magnitude of primary cases that are prone to secondary dengue infection which might have a catastrophic effect giving rise to DHF, DSS or SD.