Correlation of thrombocytopenia and serological markers in early diagnosis of dengue infection with special reference to NS1 antigen

Abstract

Background: Dengue is an acute viral infection with potential fatal complication. In view of the high mortality rate and to reduce the disease burden, early and specific diagnosis of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome followed by supportive therapy reduces morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of NS1 antigen its comparison with platelet count. Method: A total of 358 serum samples were collected from clinically suspected cases of dengue fever, serum samples were tested immediately for NS1, IgM and IgG by immunochromatography based test and correlated the results. Results: Of the 358 serum samples tested, 135(37.70%) were positive for either one or more of the dengue parameters. Among 135 positive cases, 45 (33.33%) showed positivity for NS1 antigen. Out of remaining 90 cases, predominantly 57(63.33%) cases showed positivity for IgM antibody followed by 7 (5.1%) cases showed positivity for IgG. The result of dengue specific parameters were compared against platelet count. Statistical analysis were done by using chi-square test and Z-test. Conclusion: Rapid immunochromatography test is an excellent tool in addressing this potentially fatal epidemic prone infection which is an important public health problem of our country. Keywords: Dengue, NS1 antigen, IgM antibody, IgG antibody, Immunochromatography, Thrombocytopenia, Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Dengue shock Syndrome