Prevalence Of Dengue Research Articles

Cost-effectiveness of a Dengue Vector Control Intervention in Colombia.

ABSTRACT.Dengue is a public health problem in Colombia and in the municipality of Girardot, an area of high risk for dengue transmission. We present the results of an economic evaluation from the societal perspective and 1-year time horizon comparing the regular control program for dengue prevention versus an intervention that comprised an environmental management strategy by covering the most Aedes aegypti productive breeding sites with insecticide covers, community actions, and educational activities. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured as the reduction in probability of dengue infection obtained from a community trial. Resource use was estimated from clinical records that were validated by clinical experts; unit costs were taken from national tariffs. Patient costs were obtained from a household survey. We found that the intervention generated an additional cost of USD20.9 per household and an incremental effectiveness of 0.00173 (reduction in the probability of reported dengue cases). Overall, both alternatives generate similar effectiveness, but the new intervention was associated with increasing costs. We conclude the new intervention is a potentially cost-effective option in areas where high prevalence of dengue exists.

A molecular surveillance-guided vector control response to concurrent dengue and West Nile virus outbreaks in a COVID-19 hotspot of Florida

Simultaneous dengue virus (DENV) and West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks in Florida, USA, in 2020 resulted in 71 dengue virus serotype 1 and 86 WNV human cases. We hypothesized that we would find a number of DENV-1 positive mosquito pools, and that the distribution of these arbovirus-positive mosquito pools would be associated with those neighborhoods for which imported DENV cases have been recently reported in 2019 and 2020. We collected and screened Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Anopheles crucians, Culex coronator, Cx. nigripalpus, and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from Miami-Dade County (Florida) for DENV and WNV by rRT-qPCR. Spatial statistical analyses were performed to capture positive mosquito pool distribution in relation to land use, human demography, environmental variables, mosquito trap placement and reported human travel associated DENV cases to guide future mosquito control outbreak responses. A rapid screen of 7,668 mosquitoes detected four DENV serotype 2 (DENV-2), nine DENV-4 and nine WNV-positive mosquito pools, which enabled swift and targeted abatement of trap sites by mosquito control. As expected, DENV-positive pools were in urban areas; however, we found WNV-positive mosquito pools in agricultural and recreational areas with no historical reports of WNV transmission. These findings demonstrate the importance of proactive arbovirus surveillance in mosquito populations to prevent and control outbreaks, particularly when other illnesses (e.g., COVID-19), which present with similar symptoms, are circulating concurrently. Growing evidence for substantial infection prevalence of dengue in mosquitoes in the absence of local index cases suggests a higher level of dengue endemicity in Florida than previously thought. This research was supported in part by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant 1U01CK000510-03, Southeastern Regional Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases Gateway Program.

Global prevalence of dengue and chikungunya coinfection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43,341 participants

Dengue and chikungunya virus are important arboviruses of public health concern. In the past decades, they have accounted for numerous outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya in different parts of the world. Several cases of concurrent infection of dengue and chikungunya have been documented. However, the true burden of this concurrent infection is unknown. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya coinfection in the human population was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Six electronic databases (Web of science, Embase, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched without year or language restrictions for relevant studies. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020175344). Eighty-three studies involving a total of 43,341 participants were included. The random-effects model was employed to calculate the summary estimates. A pooled global prevalence of 2.5% (95% CI: 1.8–3.4) was obtained for dengue and chikungunya coinfection. Males and females appear to be coinfected at a fairly similar rate. Among the regions, Asia accounted for the highest prevalence (3.3%, 95% CI: 2.3–4.6) while North America was the least (0.8%, 95% CI: 0.3–2.4). The prevalence estimates varied across different countries. A much higher prevalence rates were obtained for Colombia (37.4%, 95% CI: 9.1–78.1), Madagascar (18.2%, 95% CI: 10.1–30.6), Laos (12.5%, 95% CI: 5.3–26.7), Maldives (4.5%, 95% CI: 1.5–13.0) and Thailand (3.7%, 95% CI: 0.4–26.3). This first extensive systematic review and meta-analysis reveals dengue and chikungunya coinfection as a global problem worthy of consideration. It is therefore pertinent that both infections be assessed during diagnosis, mosquito vector control practices be implemented, and vaccine development strides be supported globally.

Seroprevalence of Dengue by Detection of NS1, IgM in Tertiary Care Hospital, RIMS, Ranchi

Introduction: Dengue virus being most significant among vector borne diseases is leading to increased morbidity and mortality in India. Global prevalence of dengue has been increasing over the last decade. So, it is important to screen all dengue fever like cases. Objective: The study was conducted to know seroprevalence of Dengue virus by detecting NS1, IgM in clinically suspected dengue fever cases. Material and Method: Test was done in 315 blood samples of clinically suspected dengue fever cases, in various departments of RIMS, Ranchi. The study was done from November 2016 to August 2017. NS1 antigen and IgM antibody detection both were done by ELISA (NS1 by Qualisa Microwell Enzyme Immunoassay and IgM by NIV Dengue IgM Captured ELISA KIT). Result and Discussion: Out of 315 blood samples, 84 samples (26.7%) were serologically positive for dengue infection. Among the positive cases 72.6% were males and 27.4% were females. Males are more affected than females, because males are more exposed during their outdoor visit for livelihood. Age group between 21-30 years were most affected. Most of the cases were reported in monsoon and post- monsoon season. Conclusion: This study highlights the need of continuous surveillance by both NS1 antigen and IgM antibody by ELISA method for early detection of impending outbreak to initiate timely prevention and control measures. Keywords: Dengue, NS1, IgM.

Prevalence of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses in Febrile Pregnant Women: An Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India.

Dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) are arboviruses that can affect maternal and fetal outcome if acquired during pregnancy. This study was done to estimate the positivity of DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV in febrile pregnant women attending a tertiary care hospital in north India. Symptomatic pregnant women were tested for these viruses by IgM ELISA and/or by Trioplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Their symptoms and laboratory parameters were recorded and were followed up till delivery to know their immediate delivery outcome. Of 104 women tested, 50 (48.1%) were positive for viral markers. Of these, evidence of infection by DENV, CHIKV, and both was found in 34 (32.7%), 10 (9.6%), and 6 (5.8%), respectively. ZIKV was not detected in any woman. Maximum DENV positivity occurred in the third trimester of pregnancy and in women residing in urban than rural areas. Chills and rigors, arthralgia, retro-orbital pain, anemia, and vaginal bleeding were more commonly associated with DENV positivity. Backache, arthralgia, jaundice, and vaginal bleeding were more common in CHIKV positives but the difference between positives and nonpositives regarding these symptoms was not statistically significant. Dengue infections were associated with more frequent hospitalizations (OR = 8.38, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 3.29-21.30) and mortality (OR = 19.0, 95% CI = 1.01-357.10). Hence, to conclude, in India wherever possible, all symptomatic pregnant women should be screened for DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV as part of sentinel surveillance for ZIKV.

Emergence of Dengue as a Febrile Illness in Rewa and Nearby Districts of Madhya Pradesh During the Year, 2021: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito borne viral disease, found in tropical and subtropical countries. Dengue virus (DENV) infected mosquitoes of Aedes species are crucial for the transmission of disease. It has emerged as a threat to the public health systems. Dengue is endemic in many parts of India but still the status of dengue cases in Rewa Madhya Pradesh is not reported convincingly. Aim: To investigate the presence of dengue in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Shyam Shah Medical college Rewa under National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India, including 1113 Outpatient/Inpatient Department samples received during March 2021 to October 2021. Blood samples were collected from patients having febrile illness and after serum separation, serum were subjected to NS1 Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were applied for data analysis. Results: A total of 1113 sample were received and tested for dengue NS1 out of that 108 sample were found NS1 positive by ELISA. The cases of dengue started from the month of July 2021. But in the month of October dengue positivity was highest in number. Dengue cases reported were 297 (6.73%) in the rainy season (July-August), but the dengue positivity increased (713, 9.3%) in the post rainy season (September-October). Overall prevalence of dengue was higher in the 21-30 years (34.3%) age group followed by 11-20 years (24.1%), 31-40 years (18.5%), 41-50 years (18.5%), 51-60 years (7.4%) and >60 years (3.70%) age groups with respect to total positive cases. The prevalence of dengue was higher in male (12.94%) in comparison to females (5.54%). Conclusion: This study warrants the dengue virus infection as one of the important causes of fever during rainy and post rainy season in this region. Early diagnosis and reporting of cases are important for the better management of disease.

Assessment of breeding sites and seroprevalence of dengue in an urban area of Puducherry – A community-based study

Background: Dengue virus infection is an important global public health issue. India is one of the high-burden countries with the resurgence of dengue in recent years. Surveillance based on hospital data can be misleading. Seroprevalence studies in the community are extremely useful in measuring the extent of transmission. This community-based study was done to identify the breeding sites of the Aedes mosquito and measure the seroprevalence of dengue infection in an urban area of Puducherry.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done for 6 months in an urban area of Puducherry to assess the breeding sites for dengue and to find the serological prevalence of dengue. House-to-house visits were done in the study area to collect details on sociodemographic data, environmental data, and breeding sites for dengue. Blood samples were obtained from all willing participants aged 9 years and above to detect specific immunoglobulin G antibodies to dengue virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The seroprevalence of dengue infection was found to be 8.3%. Flower vase with water 72 (18%), animal water container 32 (8%), roof gutter/sunshades, 25 (6.3%), and open water storage tanks 18 (4.5%) were the most commonly prevalent breeding sites in the study area. The houses with potential breeding sites, such as roof gutters and sunshades, were significantly associated with the prevalence of dengue seropositivity among the study participants.Conclusion: The seroprevalence was found to be relatively low in the study area and the potential breeding sites for dengue were identified.

In silico Investigation of Natural compounds identified from Ocimum species as Dengue NS3 and NS5 Protein Inhibitors

Nature has bestowed on us a very rich botanical wealth. Plants are the richest resource of drugs molecules for modern medicines, nutraceuticals, traditional medicine and even chemical entities for synthetic drugs. Ocimum species (Tulasi) is a well-known medicinal plant which has used in the six Indian systems of medicine from ancient times. The latest review on the Ocimum species revealed that the species holds a very good antiviral activity. For last few years the prevalence of dengue has increased dramatically in both urban and rural area of India. The current management of Dengue is mainly symptomatic and supportive treatment with fluid management. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the inhibitory action of phytochemical compounds were identified from the plant species Ocimum through literature survey by computational docking studies. Thus docking result revealed that only one compound Bornyl acetate exhibited the best binding interaction with in the active site of the dengue viral protein through hydrogen bonding interaction. Further in vitro studies on Bornyl acetate compounds from the Ocimum species can lead to the discovery of novel viral inhibitor.

Dengue epidemiological characteristic in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia

In the last few decades, dengue remains a leading public health problem in Malaysia. The problem persists with increasing trend of cases despite implementation of various interventions by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. The difficulty in eradicating dengue disease throughout the world is related to the complexity of the dengue phenomena. With no access to a safe, effective and affordable dengue vaccine, the only intervention strategy is to control the mosquito vector. In reality, data on mosquitoes is limited, and in most cases, the dynamic of mosquito is unobservable. In this study, based on the dengue incidence data in Malaysia−Kuala Lumpur and Selangor−from the year 2011 to 2014, a transmission model of type SI-SIR is constructed. Transmission rates in the two locations are estimated from the data fitting of the dynamic of infected human to dengue incidence. The average infection rate and the estimated average reproduction number for Selangor are estimated to be 0.1674 week−1 and 1.025, respectively. An enclave in Selangor, the capital city Kuala Lumpur has slightly lower average dengue infection rate of 0.1656 week−1 and estimated average reproduction number of 1.014. Further sensitivity analysis indicated that the dengue infection rate is the critical parameter of dengue transmission in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. This implies that dengue control strategies should focus on reducing the dengue infection rate. Numerical simulations are also performed to validate the estimated dengue infection rate, to illustrate the dengue dynamics and to determine the effects of dengue control strategies in the two selected locations. The predictive test results of this method also provide good results in capturing the pattern of dengue cases both in Kuala Lumpur and in Selangor. Numerical simulations on instantaneous reproduction number reveal that the instantaneous reproduction number of Kuala Lumpur varies between 0.8 and 1.28 while the instantaneous reproduction number of Selangor varies between 0.7 and 1.2. The insights and results presented in this paper are useful to the relevant authorities in analyzing the effect of mosquito intervention for reducing the prevalence of dengue in Malaysia.

Modeling and optimal control of dengue disease with screening and information

This study presents a mathematical model for dengue transmission which quantifies two very important aspects: one, the impact of information-based behavioural response, and the other, the segregation of infected human population into two subclasses, ‘detected’ and ‘undetected’. For the proposed model, the sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the key model parameters which not only influence the basic reproduction number, but also regulate the transmission of dengue. Further, in order to find the optimal pathways for suitable control interventions that reduce the dengue prevalence and economic burden, an optimal control problem is proposed by considering information-induced behavioural change, quarantine, screening, use of repulsive measures and culling of mosquitoes as control interventions. A weighted sum of various costs incurred in applied controls and the cost due to dengue disease (productivity loss) is incorporated in the proposed cost functional. The analysis of control system using Pontryagin’s maximum principle leads the existence of the optimal control profiles. Further, an exhaustive comparative study for seven different control strategies is conducted numerically. Our findings emphasize that every individual control strategy has their own impact on reducing the cumulative count of infection as well as cost. The combined impact of all control interventions is highly effective and economically viable in controlling the prevalence of dengue. We also investigated the effect of the basic reproduction number on the designed control strategies and observed that the comprehensive use of controls keeps a strong tab on the infective even if the severity of epidemic is high.

Severe dengue in adults and children, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), West Africa, October 2015–January 2017

Although dengue is the most common arbovirus infection worldwide, studies of severe dengue in Africa are lacking, and risk factors for severe dengue have been insufficiently described. This study was conducted in the context of the 2016 dengue epidemic in Burkina Faso to determine the prevalence of severe dengue, identify factors associated with severe dengue, and perform mapping of dengue cases in the country's capital, Ouagadougou. This cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2015 to January 2017. Data were collected in 15 public and private health centres, and included sociodemographic, clinical and patient outcome variables. Dengue was diagnosed using SD Bioline Dengue Duo rapid diagnostic tests. Data were analysed using Epi-Info Version 7. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of severe dengue. P<0.05 was considered significant. Dengue case mapping was performed using Geographic Information System software (ArcGIS). Of the 811 patients who tested positive for dengue, 609 (75%) had early dengue (AgNS1 positive) and 272 (33.5%) had severe dengue. Patient age ranged from 1 to 83 years (median 30.5 years) and 393 (48.3%) were female. Renal failure (13.1%) and severe bleeding (10.6%) were the most common signs of severe dengue. Risk factors for severe dengue included age, male sex, haemoglobin S, diabetes, hypertension, and primary dengue.Dengue cases weremore concentratedin sectors located in the centre of the city and close to the health centres. Dengue is increasingly common in Africa and factors associated with severity should be sought systematically as soon as a patient tests positive. Additional studies are needed to determine if the factors found to be associated with severity can be used to identify patients at risk for dengue-related complications, and to provide early and specialized management to reduce morbidity and mortality related to dengue in Africa.

Systematic review on the current Public Health Challenges for Dengue Transmission Control and Prevention in the Philippines

The dengue virus is a flavivirus endemic in over 100 countries, in which Southeast Asian countries are greatly affected due to the evident lack in public health intervention and laboratory resources. In 2019, the Philippines was able to observe a sudden increase in dengue cases, declaring a state of epidemic. The government then proposed several measures to address the sudden rise of dengue, which showed a significant decrease in dengue deaths during the first half of 2020, but dengue still remains a cause of concern given the uncertainty of possible future epidemics. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines using journals and articles published between Jan 1, 2015 and Dec 31, 2020 from Science direct, PubMed, HERDIN, Western Pacific Surveillance and Response (WPSAR), and Taylor and Francis Journal under the search strings “Dengue in the Philippines'' and “Dengue prevention and control in the Philippines”. The risk of bias was assessed using phase 2 and 3 of the ROBIS tool. A total of 19 articles identifying factors that influence public health interventions were included. Vector elimination and control (e.g., 4s strategy) through community participation has been the main focus of the current dengue prevention programs in the country, but these programs are presented with limitations. Various challenges and recommendations from different literatures were identified, but all consistently show the need for accurate identification and representation of dengue prevalence and burden to avoid higher overall healthcare costs, better involvement of the government and healthcare providers in information dissemination, advocacies with emphasis on behavioral change programs, and further research and development of a cost-effective, efficient, and less complex diagnostic method. It was therefore concluded that understanding the prevention and control of dengue in the Philippines would involve an elaborate public health investigation and review of several different factors aside from its viral mechanisms and pathogenesis, and that several aspects originating from individual behavior and practices of people up until coordination of LGUs, communities, and National-level agencies including coordinated budget allocations must all be aligned to efficiently lessen the prevalence of dengue. Research limitations encountered included the exclusive use of electronic databases and free/accessible published articles that inhibited the review’s capability to include “grey literature”, as well as the inability to have a registered protocol due to time constraints. An expansion in the criteria, databases used, and type of literature, along with the further exploring of each individual factor identified is recommended for future research.

Entomovirological Surveillance in Schools: Are They a Source for Arboviral Diseases Transmission?

Surveillance and control activities for virus-transmitting mosquitoes have primarily focused on dwellings. There is little information about viral circulation in heavily trafficked places such as schools. We collected and analyzed data to assess the presence and prevalence of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses in mosquitoes, and measured Aedes indices in schools in Medellín (Colombia) between 2016–2018. In 43.27% of 2632 visits we collected Aedes adults, creating 883 pools analyzed by RT-PCR. 14.27% of pools yielded positive for dengue or Zika (infection rates of 1.75–296.29 for Aedes aegypti). Ae. aegypti was more abundant and had a higher infection rate for all studied diseases. Aedes indices varied over time. There was no association between Aedes abundance and mosquito infection rates, but the latter did correlate with cases of arboviral disease and climate. Results suggest schools are important sources of arbovirus and health agencies should include these sites in surveillance programs; it is essential to know the source for arboviral diseases transmission and the identification of the most population groups exposed to these diseases to research and developing new strategies.

Enhanced passive surveillance dengue infection among febrile children: Prevalence, co-infections and associated factors in Cameroon.

Dengue virus (DENV) causes a spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic, mild febrile to a life-threatening illness: dengue hemorrhagic fever. The main clinical symptom of dengue is fever, similar to that of malaria. The prevalence of dengue virus infection, alone or in association with other endemic infectious diseases in children in Cameroon is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dengue, malaria and HIV in children presenting with fever and associated risk factors. Dengue overall prevalence was 20.2%, Malaria cases were 52.7% and HIV cases represented 12.6%. The prevalence of dengue-HIV co-infection was 6.0% and that of Malaria-dengue co-infection was 19.5%. Triple infection prevalence was 4.3%. Dengue virus infection is present in children and HIV-Dengue or Dengue- Malaria co-infections are common. Dengue peak prevalence was between August and October. Sex and age were not associated with dengue and dengue co-infections. However, malaria as well as HIV were significantly associated with dengue (P = 0.001 and 0.028 respectively). The diagnosis of dengue and Malaria should be carried out routinely for better management of fever.

Dengue Virus Infection and Associated Risk Factors in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Dengue contributes a significant burden on global public health and economies. In Africa, the burden of dengue virus (DENV) infection is not well described. This review was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dengue and associated risk factors. A literature search was done on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases to identify articles published between 1960 and 2020. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model at a 95% confidence interval, followed by subgroup meta-analysis to determine the overall prevalence. Between 1960 and 2020, 45 outbreaks were identified, of which 17 and 16 occurred in East and West Africa, respectively. Dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1) and DENV-2 were the dominant serotypes contributing to 60% of the epidemics. Of 2211 cases reported between 2009 and 2020; 1954 (88.4%) were reported during outbreaks. Overall, the prevalence of dengue was 29% (95% CI: 20–39%) and 3% (95% CI: 1–5%) during the outbreak and non-outbreak periods, respectively. Old age (6/21 studies), lack of mosquito control (6/21), urban residence (4/21), climate change (3/21), and recent history of travel (3/21) were the leading risk factors. This review reports a high burden of dengue and increased risk of severe disease in Africa. Our findings provide useful information for clinical practice and health policy decisions to implement effective interventions.

Detection of IgM and IgG Dengue antibodies in febrile patients suspected of malaria attending health center in Jos, Nigeria

Background: Despite the public health importance of dengue infections, it is less investigated by clinicians and rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses in Nigeria. The objective was to detect the presence of Dengue IgG/IgM antibodies and Plasmodium species in the blood of febrile patients. Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted among ninety-four (94) consenting febrile patients suspected of malaria in Jos. Duo detection of dengue antibodies (IgG/IgM) were determined by ELISA technique. Total DNA was extracted from patient serum and quantified to determine concentration and quality of the extraction process. Malaria was detected by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: Dengue antibodies were detected in 55.3% (52/94) of the febrile patients. The mean age was 29.9±1.2. Highest dengue prevalence of 75% (39/52), 50% (26/52) and 59.6% (31/52) were recorded among females, students and non-users of mosquito nets, respectively. In all. 11.7% (11/94) of the samples tested positive for malaria. Age group 11-20 years recorded the highest prevalence of malaria, 63.6% (7/11). Dengue and Malaria co-infection was documented in 5.3% (5/94). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of dengue and malaria among febrile subjects. Conclusion: No association of dengue infection with gender and use of Insecticide Treated Nets was found. The lower malaria prevalence compared to dengue suggests that febrile illness in this population is shown to be associated more with dengue infection. We recommend a continuous surveillance of dengue infection in this population and consideration of dengue in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses.

Risk factors of severe dengue in children: A nested case-control study

Background: Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease whose severity varies from a mild undifferentiated fever to severe fatal form. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors of severe dengue. Subjects and Methods: This nested case–control study was done in a medical college hospital in South India from October 2019 to January 2020. Children between 1 month and 12 years of age who presented with fever without focus and tested positive for dengue serology were included. Demographic data, anthropometry, clinical features, and laboratory parameters were noted down from all children. Severity of illness was classified according to the World Health Organization dengue guidelines 2009. Prevalence of severe dengue was expressed in proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI). Bivariate analysis was performed using Chi-square test, Fisher's test, and Student's t-test, and a P Results: Out of 370 children, 192 (51.9%) had dengue without warning signs, 168 (45.4%) had dengue with warning signs, and 10 had severe dengue. The prevalence (95% CI) of severe dengue was 2.7% (1.3%–4.9%). Abdominal pain/tenderness (odd's ratio [OR] - 7.429), facial puffiness (OR - 4.333), hepatomegaly (OR - 3.857), and pleural effusion (OR - 13.222) were the significant risk factors for severe dengue. Conclusions: The significant risk factors for severe dengue were abdominal pain/tenderness, facial puffiness, hepatomegaly, and pleural effusion.

Prevalence of dengue NS1 antigenemia among healthy blood donors in a tertiary care hospital in Southern India.

INTRODUCTION:Transmission of dengue by transfusion of blood products has been documented, although the frequency of these occurrences and the level of viremia required to cause clinical dengue are unknown. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of dengue NS1 antigen among healthy blood donors at our blood center.METHODOLOGY:This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Transfusion Medicine, a tertiary care hospital in South-eastern India, from February 2019 to January 2020. A total of 968 donor samples were included in the study. Dengue NS1 antigen detection was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data regarding clinical, epidemiological, and demographic characteristics were collected from the donor questionnaire and records.RESULTS:In the study, the overall prevalence of Dengue NS1 antigen was 0.9%, with nine positive samples among the 968 samples tested. Eight of them were male, and 1 was a female donor. All of them were in the age group <32 years. Half of the positive donors were detected during December-January, the immediate post rainy season in this part of the country. Two-third of the positive donors were from rural areas.CONCLUSION:This study with a 0.9% throws light on the seroepidemiological prevalence of dengue among asymptomatic donors and gives an insight into whether dengue screening is required to be implemented in routine transfusion transmissible infection screening in blood transfusion services and shall assist in devising strategies to be adapted as to improve the blood safety.

Co-existence of Malaria and Dengue: An Incidental Observation

Introduction: Malaria and dengue are two most important arthropod borne diseases responsible for high morbidity and mortality across the globe. Both these communicable diseases have been a major threat to the public health not only in India but also in other tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Aim: To study the prevalence of Dengue and Malaria along with the cases of co-infection among the patients visiting a tertiary care hospital located in central India. Materials and Methods: The present prospective study was conducted for a period of two years from January 2019 to December 2020, in the serology section of the Department of Microbiology of a teaching tertiary care hospital. Three to five millilitres (mL) of venous blood samples from 1519 patients were tested for both dengue (NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies) by Enzyme Linked Immunosorebent Assay (ELISA) method and malaria peripheral smear and antigen by immunochromatographic method. All demographic parameters were simultaneously analysed. Statistical analysis was performed with the help of Chi-square test. Results: Out of 1519 blood samples tested, 267 (17.5%) samples were positive for dengue and six (0.39%) samples were positive for malaria. No case of co-infection was detected. Maximum dengue cases were detected during post monsoon period while malaria cases were detected in monsoon and post monsoon period. Among the various dengue positive cases, 185 (69.2%) patients were diagnosed with recent primary infection while 20 (7.49%) patients had primary infection. Conclusion: The present study concluded that seroprevalence of dengue was high in our geographical region with malaria being negligible. Present study incidentally recorded the fact that the two diseases may co-exist in an individual but both the vectors rarely share the same geographical site.

A Study on Prevalence and Seasonal Distribution of Dengue at a Tertiary Care Centre of North India

Introduction: Dengue virus infection is a major public health issue prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical countries all over the world mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. WHO estimates about 50-100 million dengue infections worldwide every year. The present study is aimed to assess the prevalence and seasonal distribution of dengue disease during three consecutive years from 2016-2018 at a tertiary care centre of North India. Method: This is an observational retrospective study conducted on total 6,481 clinical suspected cases referred from indoor and outdoor departments of Medicine and Pediatrics of one of the medical colleges of Agra during the period from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2018. Results: The maximum positivity was recorded in the year 2016 (16.66%), followed by 2017 (14.07%) and 2018(13.56%).Our study shows male preponderance with maximum cases in the year 2018 was recorded in the month of October (22.75%) whereas the lowest in the month of May (1.96%). Most of the cases were in the age group 0-30 years with a male preponderance. The outbreak occurred during the months of August to November indicating vector transmission in the monsoon and post-monsoon season. Conclusion: From the analysis, this study reflects that the numbers of dengue cases in 2016 were maximum and outnumbered the dengue cases among three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. The peak in dengue positivity was observed during September to October. As this disease affects the population in the monsoon and post monsoon months therefore continuous monitoring of dengue infection is important during the post-monsoon season.