SERO-PREVALENCE OF DENGUE INFECTION FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, RAJASTHAN DURING 2022

Background: Viral haemorrhagic fevers are becoming increasingly common in the tropics and subtropics. Dengue fever is currently the most important arthropod‑borne viral disease because of its widespread distribution in more than 100 countries and its potential for extensive outbreaks of life‑threatening disease.

Material and Methods: This study was a hospital‑based cross‑sectional study conducted in LaboratoryShrr. R.K.J. Hopsital, Dausa, in Rajasthan, India, between January 2022 to December 2022. The present study included all serum specimens received at laboratory of R.K.J. Hopsital, Dausa, from clinically suspected cases of dengue infection, during this duration. Serum samples were received for serological testing from suspected cases of dengue as advised by consultants from various departments in hospital for laboratory confirmation of suspected cases. Laboratory-confirmed dengue cases were defined as suspected dengue cases with positive dengue serology.

Result: The present study analyzed the samples of 1880 of suspected patients during year of 2022. and seropositivity rate of 15% (296/1880) was found out of which 10% (67/648) were seropositive for NS1 antigen and 18% (229/1232) were by IgM ELISA test. The present study revealed trend of cases from August to December 2022 peak of cases was reported in month of September and November.

Discussion: The resurgence of dengue has been notable in India and dengue epidemics have been frequently reported in the country both from urban and rural regions. Recent analysis of the past two decades highlighted that, in India, transmission pattern of dengue has changed and widened with shift in peak post-monsoon shifting toward November from October in the recent decade from irregular peak of the previous decade. However, the present pattern in shift of transmission is clear that dengue cannot be considered as a seasonal disease.

Conclusions: An alarming rate of increasing emerging and reemerging trends of these arboviral infections are noted in this part of Rajasthan. Hence, the need to focus on proper surveillance, and implementation of prevention and control measure in the country are of utmost priority. Presently, there are no licensed vaccines or antivirals available however, India has initiated several efforts in this direction including traditional medicines. The outcome of this study will help in focusing and improvement of existing surveillance systems and vector control tools, as well as on the development of suitable antiviral agents and formulating candidate vaccine.