STUDY OF NS1 ANTIGEN DETECTION AND ASSOCIATION OF PLATELET COUNT WITH VARIOUS DENGUE SEROLOGICAL MARKERS IN DENGUE INFECTION: AN INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease caused by dengue virus. Annually, it affects up millions of people worldwide. An early and accurate diagnosis of dengue in the acute phase of illness is important for identifying an epidemic and for initiation of therapy. Detection of the secreted NS1 protein is a new approach that aid in the early diagnosis. Platelet count is the only non-dengue parameter that can support the diagnosis of the dengue shock syndrome and dengue. This study was done to detect dengue parameters and correlate them with the platelet count. Material and Methods: This study was conducted from September 2016 to November 2016. Total 205 blood samples were collected from clinically suspected dengue cases. Serum was separated and tested for NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG using the immunochromatography kit. The platelet count was also recorded in all samples. Results: Out of 205 samples tested total 92(44.9%) specimens were positive for one or more dengue parameters. Among 92 specimens 45(49%) were positive for only NS1 antigen and 20 were positive for IgM only. Thrombocytopenia was recorded in 73(79%)out of 92 dengue positive cases. Conclusion: Inclusion of NS1 in the diagnosis of dengue increases the detection rate significantly in early phase of the infection.