Seroprevalence of dengue infection and its correlation with platelet count: A retrospective observational study.

Abstract

Background:
Dengue fever is a virus that frequently spreads through mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions. Thrombocytopenia, a common hematological abnormality associated with dengue infections, is occasionally used as a measure of the illness's severity.

 Aim:
To determine the seroprevalence of dengue infection and evaluate its correlation with platelet count in suspected cases.

 Materials and Methods:

One hundred patients who were clinically suspected of having dengue were included in this retrospective analysis. Dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody testing were used for the serological diagnosis. Hematological records were used to determine platelet counts. The chi-square test was employed in the statistical analysis of the data to ascertain the correlation between dengue positivity and platelet count.

 Results:
60 cases out of 100 samples tested positive for dengue, indicating a 60% seroprevalence. Dengue infection was substantially linked to thrombocytopenia. The platelet counts of most dengue-positive patients ranged from 50,000 to 100,000 cells/mm³. Low platelet counts and dengue infection were significantly correlated, according to statistical analysis (p = 0.006).

 Conclusion:
Thrombocytopenia and dengue infection are strongly correlated. For dengue patients to be effectively managed and complications to be identified early, platelet count monitoring is crucial.

 Recommendation:

In suspected or confirmed dengue cases, routine platelet monitoring is advised since thrombocytopenia reflects the severity of the illness and the likelihood of sequelae. Patients with low platelet counts must be closely monitored and given an early test diagnosis. To improve disease treatment and outcomes in dengue-endemic areas, public health awareness, vector control, and healthcare facilities must be strengthened.