Rapid immunochromatographic tests �an aid to the diagnosis of Dengue fever. A study conducted at Goa Medical College.

Dr Carmen Pereira; Dr Nicasia Furtado; Dr Jessica Pereira

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2016

Rapid immunochromatographic tests �an aid to the diagnosis of Dengue fever. A study conducted at Goa Medical College.

Dr Carmen Pereira, Dr Nicasia Furtado, Dr Jessica Pereira

Abstract :

 Background: Dengue an arboviral disease found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world is on the rise in our country. Early diagnosis is important to reduce morbidity and mortality. Aims and objectives: 1) To study the prevalence of dengue based on the rapid screening tests like NS1 antigen, IgM, IgG antibodies and correlate with MAC–IgM ELISA. 2) To study the clinical pattern of dengue fever in patients attending a tertiary health care centre In Goa Methods: 126 patients who presented with dengue like illness to Goa Medical College and were NS 1 antigen/ IgM/ IgG / MAC IgM positive were included in the study. It was a retrospective study conducted between July 2014– June 2015. All the relevant data was collected from the case papers obtained from the Medical Records Department. Results: Of the 126 patients included in the study, 101 patients (80.2%) were NS 1 antigen positive. 19 patients were rapid IgM positive (15%) and 6 patients were IgG(4.8%). Mac–IgMELISA was positive in 73 (57.9% ) patients, and 63(50%) patients were both NS 1 and IgM positive. The rainy season July–September (34.1%) and post rainy season October to December (34.9%) had the maximum number of admissions. Patients in the age group 20–29 years (38.9%) were maximally affected. Males (74.5%) were affected more than females (25.5%) Fever, arthralgia rash myalgia petechiae and bleeding manifestation were the main clinical features seen in patients .Ascites and Pleural effusions were seen in 3 (2.4%) patients. Hypotension and acute renal failure occurred in 4 (3.2%) patients. Five (4%) patients developed ARDS. 3 patients died .Mortality being 2.4 %. Leukopenia (83.3% ) thrombocytopenia (75.4%) and raised liver enzymes (96 % )were seen in most patients. 7 (5.6%) patients had PCV more than 50.Raised renal parameters were seen in 4 (3.2%) patients. Conclusion Rapid ICT tests specially NS1 Antigen are useful markers in the early suspicion of dengue fever in patients with typical clinical and laboratory features specially in resource poor areas .Early diagnosis along with proper monitoring and prompt management helps to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.