Comparison of Serological and Hematological markers in Dengue: A Cross-sectional study

Dengue virus is the most common Arbo-virus found in India. It has four serotypes DEN-1 to DEN-4. Recently the fifth serotype (DEN-5) was discovered in 2013 from Bangkok. Dengue is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in India. Dengue is characterized by high fever, arthralgia, myalgia, hepatomegaly, and thrombocytopenia. Early diagnosis of dengue leads to decrease the mortality. Our study aimed to explore the early diagnostic methods for dengue fever. This is a cross sectional study conducted in Department of Microbiology in a period of April 2021-March 2022. Simultaneously blood samples were subjected to serological examination of NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG antibody by immune-chromatographic method and hematological examination by auto-analyser. Totally 382 patients were suspected to dengue; on this 74 were serologically proven. Hematological investigation of patients shows thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, and raised hematocrit. On correlation, hematological investigation is better in early diagnosis of dengue fever (p value 0.014). Hematological investigation followed by serology will lead to early diagnosis of dengue fever. Dengue fever is an important public health problem in tropical countries like India. It can present varied clinical manifestations. Early recognition and prompt management are essential to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with dengue.