Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The dengue virus, a member of the genus Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae, is an arthropode-borne virus. The present study was conducted to assess correlation between serological markers of dengue and platelet counts. Materials & Methods: 110 patients suspected of dengue fever was enrolled. Serum samples were collected from the suspected dengue fever patients. The samples were tested for NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG antibodies using the ICT test kit. Results: NS1 only was detected in 58, IgM only in 22, IgG only in 11, NS1 and IgM only in 8, NS1 and IgG only in 5 and IgM and IgG only in 6 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). 58 patients that were positive for NS 1, thrombocytopenia was seen in 50, 14 out of 22 IgM positive patients, 9 out of 11 IgG positive patients, 6 out of 8 NS1 and IgM only positive patients, 2 out of 5 NS1 and IgG only positive patients and 4 out of 6 IgM and IgG only positive patients were detected. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The use of NS1 is useful indicator of dengue virus infection. Hence, the diagnosis should include detection of NS1.