Role Of Ns1 Antigen Detection In Early Diagnosis Of Dengue Virus Infection

Abstract

Background Dengue fever is one of the most common tropical diseases worldwide. Early diagnosis of dengue helps in patient triage and timely management of dengue virus infection. Objectives This study was undertaken to study the early clinical features supported by detection of NS1 antigen for diagnosing dengue virus infection. Methodology The present one-year cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum. A total of 100 adult patients presenting with clinical features of dengue infection from January 2012 to December 2012 were studied. The diagnosis was confirmed with NS1 RDT whose efficacy was later tested with IgM ELISA. Results In this study young males were predominantly affected. NS1 positivity was 68%. The sensitivity of NS1 in predicting dengue infection compared to IgM was 92.86% and specificity was 90% with strength of agreement considered to be 'very good' based on Kappa statistics. Clinical features like retro orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rashes and bleeding manifestations were significantly associated with NS1 positivity. Similarly icterus, edema, hypotension and altered sensorium were significantly more in NS1 positive patients. SGOT more than SGPT, thrombocytopenia and raised creatinine were significantly more in NS1 positive patients. Conclusion Thus we conclude that dengue infection which possesses serious public health problem, can be diagnosed early with the help of clinical features supported by NS1 antigen rapid detection test can help in aiding early diagnosis