Comparison of molecular and serological diagnosis for early detection of chikungunya infection: a hospital-based study in Kolkata

Dr.Amiya Kumar Pandit; Dr. Anindita Rakshit; Dr. Nemai Bhattacharya

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2019

Comparison of molecular and serological diagnosis for early detection of chikungunya infection: a hospital-based study in Kolkata

Dr. Amiya Kumar Pandit, Dr. Anindita Rakshit, Dr. Nemai Bhattacharya

Abstract :

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare molecular (Real Time RT-PCR) and serological (IgM ELISA test) diagnostic methods for the early detection of chikungunya infection. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was conducted on a total of 100 patients (OPD &indoor) with chief complaints of fever, rash and arthralgia. Patient�s serum was subjected to both the diagnostic methods. The exclusion criteria were hematological malignancies, bleeding disorder and certain chronic diseases. RESULT: In case of fever of duration 1-3days ,Real time RT- PCR detected 9 cases and CHIK specific IgM ELISA detected none, whereas, the latter was a better diagnostic tool later on. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that Real Time RT-PCR was more sensitive than CHIK specific IgM ELISA for early detection of Chikungunya fever cases.