Sero-prevalence of Dengue IgM Antibodies in Patients Suspected of having Dengue Fever

Background: Dengue virus infection is increasingly recognized as one of the world’s emerging infectious disease. In recent decades, dengue fever has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in tropical and sub-tropical areas throughout the world. Dengue fever is endemic in Pakistan since 1994. The aim of this study was to determine the trend of sero-prevalence of anti-dengue IgM antibodies in Lahore during 2012 to 2013.

Results: Serum samples were collected from 90 patients visiting Jinnah hospital and Mayo hospital with the history of fever and clinically suspected dengue. The sero-prevalence of dengue virus specific IgM antibodies was determined using enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) ELISA-DENM0120 kit. The anti-dengue IgM antibodies positivity was found to be 48%. The positive dengue cases were higher in male (76.4%) as compared to female (23.6%) though it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Among different age groups, the highest positive cases (48.9%) were from age group of 15 to 25 years followed by the age group of 35 to 45 years (17%). Out of two hospitals, the highest positive cases were in Jinnah hospital (72.3%) followed by Mayo hospital (27.6%). Age and gender were found to be independent predictors. Fever was the most commonly reported symptom among dengue suspected patients (81.1%) followed by myalgia (72.2%). Thrombocytopenia (PLT<150.0x103) was found in 100% patients and leukopenia (TLC<4.0 x103) was found in 49% of dengue fever suspected subjects.

Conclusion: This study indicates that prevalence of dengue virus infection is increasing in Pakistan especially Lahore. Proper control measure should be provided. IgM capture ELISA has become the most accepted technique for the diagnosis of dengue in developing countries like Pakistan.