Study of Immunological Markers in Clinically Suspected Cases of Dengue

estimate diagnostic accuracy, but rather to estimate the distribution of dengue serological markers. Study Population and SamplingDuring the study period, 352 serum samples from clinically suspected dengue patients were received for analysis.Only the first sample from each patient was used.Duplicate samples from the same patient were not included to avoid duplication of data. Case DefinitionAcute febrile illness with at least one clinical feature suggestive of dengue infection-headache, myalgia, rash, retro-orbital pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or other clinically compatible featureswas defined as clinically suspected dengue infection.To ensure detection of different serological markers, patients presenting at IntroductIonThe dengue virus is a mosquito-borne viral illness with four serotypes and is an important public health concern in tropical and subtropical countries. 1,2 The disease has a wide clinical spectrum from mild febrile disease to severe disease, like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).Early diagnosis is very important for patient management and prevention of complications. 3 There are several ways of testing for dengue [NS1 antigen, immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody].NS1 antigen is useful for the early diagnosis of dengue infection, while IgM and IgG antibodies help differentiate recent and past infections. 4,5 Previous studies have emphasized that these markers should be used in conjunction with one another to aid in detection.The typical clinical picture of dengue infection is an acute febrile illness with headache, retro-orbital pain, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting.In a few cases, the disease progresses to a severe form like DHF and DSS, including plasma leakage, bleeding manifestations, and organ involvement. 5,6Timely clinical diagnosis and laboratory diagnosis are crucial for correct patient management.Although there are diagnostic tests, no data on the serological markers of dengue are available for clinically suspected cases in the north Gujarat region.Hence, this study assesses the distribution and pattern of the NS1 antigen, IgM antibody, and IgG antibody in clinically suspected cases of dengue. MaterIals a n d Methods Study Design