ABSTRACT
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, a major cause of childhood hepatitis is transmitted by orofaecal route. Children mostly suffer with subclinical infection but may have serious clinical implications leading to hospitalization and mortality. IgM ELISA and nRT PCR were conducted on the blood samples collected from HAV suspected paediatric cases referred to the viral diagnostic laboratory in the Regional Medical Research Centre for Tribals at Jabalpur, Central India. The nRT PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was done. of the 195 samples tested, 41 (21%) were positive for HAV antibodies, among which 38 (92%) belonged to paediatric age group and 32 per cent of these were hospitalized. nRT PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of HAV. Phylogenic analysis revealed circulation of genotype III A in central India. Regular serological and molecular monitoring would aid in understanding epidemiology of HAV and plan intervention strategies.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Dengue is an important arboviral disease. All four dengue virus serotypes are reported to be circulating in India. It is also known that different serotypes, genotypes and clades of genotype determine outbreak severity. Dengue affected children are known to have serious disease outcome. We carried out this study to give reliable diagnosis of dengue infection in children and to detect circulating serotype in central India. Methods: Samples collected from paediatric patients suspected to have dengue fever were subjected to IgM and IgG ELISA to determine dengue virus infection. Samples collected within 0-5 days of onset of illness and positive by IgM ELISA were tested by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). The PCR products were sequenced and analyzed. Results: Of the 89 samples tested, 18 and 7 were positive for dengue IgM and IgG, respectively. Dengue activity was observed in both Jabalpur city and adjoining rural settings. One sample found positive by nRT-PCR was further sequenced to confirm dengue virus 4 as aetiological agent. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings demonstrated dengue virus infection in children and adolescent in central India. Because of continuous changing epidemiology, it is important to monitor dengue virus activity at both serological and molecular level in this part of the country for better patient care and management.