Comparative analysis of clinicopathological findings with immunological and molecular tests for early diagnosis and confirmation of dengue in a tertiary-care hospital in Gwalior

Abstract

Background: Dengue is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in people of all age groups. Dengue virus is distributed worldwide and represents a serious public health problem. Objective: To perform immunological diagnosis and further confirmation by molecular methods in suspected cases of dengue virus infection and compare their results of clinicopathological findings, serology, and molecular techniques for early confirmation and further clinical correlation. Materials and Methods: The study was done for the patients who were suspected for dengue for a period of 2 years. Routine hematological investigations, including platelets, were done by automated autoanalyzer, and screening for dengue NS1 antigen detection by Panbio rapid strip test and dengue IgM and IgG antibodies by duo cassette Panbio was performed. Dengue virus isolation was done by using QIAamp viral RNA mini kit-RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Result: Of the total 120 suspected cases for dengue, the maximum incidence in relation to age was noted in the age group of 16–30 years, and the prevalence rate was higher in male patients. We also found that nine (7.5%) cases and 29 (24.17%) cases were positive for NS1 antigen and IgM antibody, respectively. Among the total 120 cases of IgG test by antiflavi card, 10 (8.33%) cases were positive, and the results were compared with those of RT-PCR. Of the total 38 NS1- and IgM-positive cases, we found that a total of four (10.5%) cases were found with RT-PCR positivity. Conclusion: Involvement of many laboratories in the diagnosis of dengue coupled with general awareness among the public and constant vigilance by the health-care officials could go a long way in combating dengue, especially in the prevention of large outbreaks by monitoring dengue viral activity by serological and molecular tests.