IMPORTANCE OF CONCURRENT TESTING OF DENGUE SPECIFIC SEROLOGICAL MARKERS AND PLATELET ENUMERATION.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. Manju Bala,
Assistant Professor,
Department of Microbiology,
H. No. 4566-B, SEC-70, Mohali.
E-mail: suvanarora15@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Dengue infection can result in dengue shock syndrome which is associated with mortality. So it is imperative to have rapid diagnostic test for its diagnosis. Recently NS1 determination from serum samples has emerged as a diagnostic tool for early diagnosis. Other serological markers are antibodies like IgG & IgM.  MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum samples were tested for Dengue NS1, IgM and IgG using the single-step immunochromatograhic assay. Platelet counts of all seropositive cases and 100 seronegative cases were recorded. Results of dengue serological markers were compared against platelet counts. Statistical analysis was done using chi square test and by determining p value.  RESULTS: Of the 233 patients screened with the SD Dengue Duo, 78 cases were seropositive for one or more markers. Of 78 samples ,NS1 antigen was detected alone in 26 cases, IgG+IgM in 7cases, NS1 +IgG in 7 cases, NS1+IgG+IgM in 27 cases. Thrombo-cytopenia was more significantly associated in NS1+IgM+IgG positive cases (p value<0.05).  CONCLUSION: So inclusion of NS1 in test panel increased the detection of additional seropositive cases. Thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with dengue positive than dengue negative cases. It was significantly associated when NSI was detected along with IgM and IgG.

KEYWORDS: Dengue virus, IgM, IgG, Viral nonstructural protein NS1, Platelet count.