A Study of Association of Serological Markers and Platelet count in Dengue Patients in GHMC limits, Hyderabad, Telangana

Abstract

Introduction: Acute viral infections like Dengue which can result in Dengue Hemorrhagic fever (DHF) & Dengue
Shock Syndrome (DSS) are potentially lethal. The measurement of released NS1 protein, IgM & IgG is a novel
technique for identifying acute dengue infection. Platelet count is the only Non-dengue parameter that can support
the diagnosis of DHF& DSS.1
AIM: This study was done to evaluate the association of Platelet count and Dengue parameters singly positive and
when combined positive.
Materials and Methods: This was a Cross- Sectional prospective study conducted at Departments of Microbiology &
Pathology at Telangana Diagnostics, Hyderabad which is a NABL accredited Central Laboratory run by Government
of Telangana from Febraury 2022 to January 2023.All clinically suspected cases of Dengue reported in Outpatient
departments of Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), Area Hospitals & District
Hospital, Under GHMC limits Hyderabad were included in the study from February 2022 to January 2023
Results: Out of 1100 samples received from clinically suspected cases of Dengue, 516 (46.9%) samples were
positive for Dengue, and out which 109 (21.12%) cases showed platelet count below 1.5 lakhs/cumm. Dengue
cases with positive NS1 and IgM were consistently associated with Thrombocytopenia in comparison with other
serological parameters. The Chi-Square test and statistical software Epi info and MS Excel was used to find out the
statistical significance.
Conclusion: Detection of dengue specific serological parameters along with platelet count in diagnosis of Dengue
helps in early diagnosis and prevent complications like Dengue Hemorrhagic fever & Dengue shock syndrome
there by reducing mortality and morbidity.