Abstract
A retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the circulating dengue virus (DENV) serotypes and genotypes in India in 2018. In total, 4963 samples referred to virus research diagnostic laboratories (n=21), the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) and ICMR-NIV field units (n=2) for diagnosis of dengue in 2018 were tested using a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay for the presence of DENV serotypes. Representative samples were sequenced for the envelope (E) gene. Regional diversity was observed with regard to the dominant circulating serotypes. DENV-2 was found to be the most common serotype in many states. Thrombocytopenia, petechiae and malaise were associated with DENV-2 infection. Phylogenetic analyses of DENV E gene sequences revealed the circulation of genotypes I and V of DENV-1, two lineages of DENV-2 genotype IV, DENV-3 genotype III and DENV-4 genotype I. This study found regional differences in the prevalence of circulating DENV serotypes in India, and provides baseline data for continuous molecular surveillance. Molecular surveillance may have implications for predicting large-scale outbreaks of dengue if regional shifts in the predominantly circulating serotypes and genotypes are detected during the early phase of the dengue season.
Highlights
Dengue is a major mosquito-borne viral disease in India
This study investigated the DENV serotypes and genotypes circulating in India in 2018 utilizing the samples referred to the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) Network and ICMRNational Institute of Virology (NIV)
492 samples were positive for DENV-1, 678 samples were positive for DENV-2, 478 samples were positive for DENV-3, and 132 samples were positive for DENV-4
Summary
Dengue is a major mosquito-borne viral disease in India. Thousands of cases are reported every year, and the size, severity and duration of the outbreaks are increasing. Particular serotypes/genotypes and lineages of dengue virus (DENV) are associated with more severe outbreaks. Many reports from India have shown an association between change in DENV genotype/lineage and magnitude of the outbreak and disease severity B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad; and Dr P. Vijayachari, ICMR-Regional Research Medical Centre, Port Blair
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