A study on serological and hematological parameters in dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital of North Kerala

Dengue fever is one of the major public-health concerns in India and it has shown an increasing trend in Kerala since 2006. This study is aimed to study the serological and hematological parameters of patients with dengue fever in a tertiary referral center and teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed, during the period of three years, from January 2016 to December 2018. A total of 2126 serum samples from clinically probable cases of dengue were added in the study. All the samples included were tested for NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG antibodies, using the immunochromatographic test (ICT) Dengue Day 1 Test (J.Mitra & Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi). Laboratory tests of dengue positive parameters and its hematological profile was co-related. Results: Out of 2126, 393 samples (18.48%) were positive for dengue. Among them 383 (97.45%) were grouped as primary dengue infection, 10 (2.54%) as secondary dengue infection. Higher rate of cases were in males and the age group of 21years to 30 years were chiefly affected. Maximum cases were found in monsoon and post monsoon seasons. Leucopenia and thrombocytopenia was more consistently associated with dengue infection Conclusions: Thrombocytopenia and leucopenia are prima facie and are indicators for provisional and initial diagnosis of dengue infection. Defining primary and secondary dengue infection will be helpful to clinicians for optimal management to achieve a favorable outcome. Keywords: NS1 Antigen, IgM antibody, IgG antibody, Thrombocytopenia, Leukopenia.