Dengue and Chikungunya viruses Co infection: A serological based study from tertiary care center, Ahmadabad, India

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Dengue and Chikungunya (CHIK) infections appear to be increasing in all parts of India. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are common vectors for dengue virus (DENV) and CHIK virus (CHIKV - Chikungunya Virus). In areas where both viruses co circulate, they can be transmitted together. Aim: The present study was undertaken to study the prevalence of dengue–CHIK co infection and compare with monoinfection. Methods: IgM antibody capture ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) for dengue IgM and CHIK IgM and ELISA for dengue non structural protein 1 antigen was performed on serum samples obtained from suspected patients. Results: Out of total 1071 samples from suspected patients for dengue & chikungunya infection, 212 (19.7%) samples were positive for DENV while CHIK IgM antibodies were positive in 145 (13.53%) patients. Total 44 sera were positive (4.10%) for co-infection of dengue and CHIK. Conclusion: Increase in the number of Dengue and Chikungunya infections and their cocirculation is an important public health concern which warrants the implementation of strict control measures: