ABSTRACT
Sexually transmitted diseases are endemic in all societies and the prevalence of diseases spread by sex continues to increase. 233 serum samples submitted for VDRL test were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus by third generation Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. VDRL was positive in 21%, HBsAg in 3% and HIV-1 and HCV in 0.8% patients respectively. No significant correlation was seen in the transmission of two or more pathogens together.
Subject(s)
Endemic Diseases/statistics & numerical data , Female , HIV Seroprevalence , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Humans , India/epidemiology , Male , Mass Screening , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Syphilis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
An epidemic of haemorrhagic fever broke out in Ludhiana in October and November 1996. Persons of all age groups were affected with preponderance of young adults. Haemorrhagic manifestations like rashes, epistaxis, bleeding from the gums and haematemesis were observed. The cause of fever was investigated. Serum samples collected at random from 71 patients were tested by ELISA for dengue types 1-4 IgM antibodies. These were positive in 96.7 per cent of cases. Immunoblot testing for IgM and IgG for all serotypes of dengue virus were positive in 90.2 and 73.2 per cent of the serum samples respectively. The haemorrhagic fever was serologically proven to be due to dengue virus.