Abstract
ObjectivesThe Indian Council of Medical Research and the Department of Health Research have established a network of Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) to strengthen laboratory capacity in India. We analyzed the data generated by the 52 VRDLs during 2014–2017 to describe the epidemiology of dengue fever (DF) in India. MethodsAs per the laboratory protocol, suspected DF patients reporting to various hospitals where VRDLs are located, or samples from suspected DF outbreaks are investigated for the presence of NS1 antigen or IgM antibodies against dengue. The data were analyzed to describe the distribution of DF by time (month and year), place (district and state) and person (age and sex) characteristics. ResultsBetween 2014–2017, VRDLs investigated 211,432 suspected DF patients, 28.4% of whom were serologically confirmed. The median age of dengue positive patients was 25 years (IQR: 16-36). Dengue positivity was significantly higher among males. The mean monthly dengue positivity ranged from 7.7% to 37%, with higher positivity reported during September and October months. VRDLs provided diagnosis to 190 suspected outbreaks. ConclusionsThe data from the VRDL network indicate dengue was the etiology in one-fourth of AFI cases. Dengue was the second commonest etiology of suspected outbreaks diagnosed by VRDLs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
