A Clinico-microbiological study of dengue fever cases at Sri Siddhartha medical college and hospital, Tumkur

Dengue is currently the second most prevalent vector borne disease in the world. Dengue fever and its more serious forms, dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, are becoming important public health problems. Since there is no immune prophylactic or specific antiviral therapy available, clinico-microbiological diagnosis plays a vital role in patient management and implementation of control measures.

To study the clinical and laboratory profile of Dengue cases admitted at Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital.

A hospital based prospective study was carried out from June to December 2015 in Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Hospital. 150 seropositive cases aged between 18–75 years admitted in the medical wards were included. Clinical profile of the patients was noted. Rapid immunochromatography test and ELISA was performed to detect NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies. Platelet count, total leucocyte count and routine laboratory investigations were also analysed.

Out of 150 seropositive cases, 88 were males and 62 were females. The commonest presenting symptom was fever. In majority of cases thrombocytopenia ranged from 50, 000–100, 000/cu.mm. NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies were found Seropositive in 70%, 7%, and 3% cases respectively. In remaining 20% of cases, more than one marker was seropositive.

High degree of clinical suspicion, supported by laboratory evidences like thrombocytopenia and specific dengue serological tests help in early diagnosis of dengue.