Open AccessIntroduction: Dengue fever is rapidly emerging in India, even in non endemic areas. Dengue fever is more commonly seen in adults and older children. It was earlier confined to urban areas and now has penetrated into rural setup. Clinical presentation varies from mild to severe fatal form; therefore laboratory diagnosis is very essential.
Objective: To study the seropositivity of clinically suspected dengue fever cases
Material and method: Blood samples from clinically suspected dengue fever cases were screened for NS1 dengue vius antigen and IgM and IgG dengue specific antibodies by rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) Dengue Day 1 kit (Mfd by J. Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd).
Result: Out of total 917 blood samples tested, 281(30.6%) were positive for one or more of three markers. Of 281 blood samples NS1 was positive in 198 cases while NS1 with either IgM or IgG was positive in 16 cases. Only IgG in 25cases and only IgM in 28 cases was observed. All the three parameters were positive in 3 cases.
Conclusion: In the past sporadic cases of dengue fever have been reported in our area. But the recent rise in the cases from month of October 2012 which continued till May 2013 is alarming. Study showed the primary infection significantly higher than secondary infection. The involvement of adults followed by older children mostly. This strengthens the view that endemicity of dengue fever is rising in our area. Though viral isolation or molecular method are still regarded as gold standard, but rapid screening method like immune-chromatography test (ICT) was found to be valuable. Our study results emphasize the need for continuous surveillance for the timely implementation of effective dengue control program me.