An Outbreak of Dengue in Patna, Bihar: A study of 60 cases and review of literature

Abstract

Background : Dengue virus belongs to family Flaviviridae , having four serotypes that spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Materials and methods : Dengue positive cases from June to December of two constitutive years, 2015-2016 were obtained, total number of cases were 60. Result: Male and female were 36(60%) and 24(40%) respectively. It denotes almost all cases were primary dengue infection. They were negative for IgM and IgG. Out of total cases 28(46.6%) patients had initial presentation with thrombocytopenia, below 150,000/ul, minimum 20,000/. In first weak leucopenia with relative lymphocytosis, neutropenia, raised ALT and AST are important laboratory findings. From first weak onwards, petechial rashes due thrombocytopenia and erythematous skin patches due to increased vascular permeability are important features. The erythematous patches due to vasculopathy give a hot touch feeling. Rapid ELISA for NS1, IgM, and IgG could be false negative in 10% cases. For those dengue suspected cases ELISA, hemagglutination or PCR based investigations are warranted for diagnosis. Conclusion: The study results are relevant in the characterization of biological markers in the evolution of the disease and can be used as markers for the most severe forms thereby enabling health professionals in taking early help with the adaption of therapeutic conduct for specific patients. It could be useful for making policy regarding control and prevention of dengue fever in state like Bihar where such type study is not till now published.