Prevalence and Laboratory Profile of Dengue Viral Infection

Dengue infection is an emerging disease and is a major health problem in our country. Globally the
incidence of dengue has increased in the recent years. The WHO estimates that presently about two fifths of
the world population is at risk for this viral infection. In 2013 Kerala registered the highest number of
cases in India. Standard haematological parameters such as platelet count and haematocrit are important
and are part of the biological diagnosis of dengue infection. Therefore, they should be closely monitored.
Liver is one of the major target organs involved in acute dengue virus infections; hepatomegaly and
increased levels of AST and ALT are common manifestations of this infection.This study was undertaken to
determine the Prevalence of dengue cases in Kannur district from October 2016 to April 2017 by IgM
Capture ELISA method and to correlate certain haematological and biochemical parameters in dengue
patients. A total of 380 clinically suspected dengue patients who presented to the hospital for routine
dengue testing were taken for the study. Among the 380 clinically suspected dengue patients, 65 samples
were tested positive for dengue viral infection. Majority of the dengue patients were males. Most of the
dengue patients belong to the age group 21-40 years (55%). Among the dengue confirmed patients,
57%(37) of patients showed platelet count below 100000/cu.mm and had severe thrombocytopenia. Out of
the 65 dengue positive cases, leucopenia were evident in 31 (48%) patients. About 42 (65%) cases and 31
(48%) cases showed increased AST and ALT level respectively