Screening for dengue virus infection at GMMMC hospital, Sukkur

ABSTRACT

Dengue is a severe arthropod borne viral disease characterized by fever, headache, retro - orbital pain, maculopapular rash, and thrombocytopenia. Disease is transmitted from one human to another by bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Disease now a days occurs in more than 100 countries worldwide. Study designed for screening suspected or probable cases to detect specific antibodies response in early stage of disease. Cross sectional study. This study was conducted at Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Hospital, Sukkur from October, 2010 to October, 2012. Patients presenting with fever, bleeding tendencies, maculopapular rash or fever with thrombocytopenia were screened as per WHO criteria for suspected dengue infection. Blood was collected after 4 - 5 days of onset of illness. The serologic test was performed by using rapid immunochromatographic assay detection of anti dengue immunoglobulin M [IgM] antibodies. 162 cases were screened for dengue infection. 16 [9.9%] patients were positive with anti-dengue IgM. 12 patients were male and 04 were female. Platelets count was observed below 100 x 10[3] cmm[3] in patients with dengue infection. Identification of dengue virus infection in early acute phase of disease is significant for morbidity and mortality screening of suspected cases and anti-mosquito eradication measures should be taken for breading sites of vector, mass education, and awareness programs may be initiated