Detection of coinfection with Dengue and Chikungunya viruses in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh.
##plugins.themes.academic_pro.article.main##
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Dengue and Chikungunya viruses are both RNA viruses sharing common mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. In India, both these viral illnesses initially present with common signs and symptoms and also share a common seasonal transmission cycle.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To know about the coinfection of dengue and chikungunya viruses existing in the given study population.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1135 clinically suspected dengue and chikungunya cases (IP and OP) were tested in Virology lab at KGH, Visakhapatnam from Feb 2021-July 2022 by using IgM MAC ELISA for dengue and chikungunya simultaneously (by kits supplied by NIV Pune).
RESULTS: Out of the 1135 IP & OP patients, 517 were males (45.5%) and females were 618 (54.44%). Predominant age group who presented with symptoms and got tested was 21-30 years with 265 cases (23.34%) and coinfection rate was highest among 31- 40 years age group with 14.94 %. The total no. of dengue positive cases were 273 (24.05%) and chikungunya were 79 (6.96%). The coinfection for dengue and chikungunya was found to be 13.3% (151 cases).
CONCLUSION: This study shows that testing for either of the viruses can lead to misdiagnosis and it is important to diagnose for both dengue and chikungunya simultaneously, at the right time for proper primary care of the patient and to avoid fatal complications.