Seroprevalence of dengue cases in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Dengue is a mosquito borne viral disease of global public health concern and is a major cause of morbidity in most of the endemic regions of the world. In northeast India, particularly Guwahati, Assam has been experiencing dengue every year with high morbidity since its first outbreak in 2010 and therefore emerging as major public health concern in northeast India and spreading with increased morbidity. Objective: To analyse the seroprevalence and epidemiological trend of dengue among patients presenting in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital from the year 2012 to 2017. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was done from the year 2012 to 2017 in blood samples received in the department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital. Dengue NS1 antigen and Dengue IgM antibody ELISA tests were performed for the confirmation of dengue cases which was performed as per the manufacturer's guidelines. We estimated the incidence by applying age and sex distribution of Dengue cases in Assam. Results: From the six years study we found that the prevalence of Dengue was highest in 2012 (47%) and lowest in 2014 (10%). Highest sample load was seen in 2016. In all the years, males patients were more than the female patients. Commonest age-group of the affected patients was between 25-34 years of age. In Assam, Kamrup (Metro) district followed by Kamrup (Rural) showed highest case load in all the years. Conclusion: Dengue has remained a persistent problem in Assam with the increasing distribution range of Aedes aegypti. There is a need of identification of high-risk areas, vector incrimination and seasonal infectivity of dengue so that future outbreaks can be avoided by targeted