Dengue is a mosquito borne viral disease (Priyadarshini et al., 2016). It belongs to the family of Flavivirus. It is transmitted mainly by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito. Outbreaks are due to the four serotypes DEN1, DEN2, DEN3, DEN4. Increasing incidence and repeated outbreaks turns this disease as a serious public health problem (Barrera et al., 2002). Urbanization, improper water management and the vector population are the main causes for the spread of the disease. Dengue is a leading causes of hospitalization and death among children (Mistry et al., 2013). Objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of dengue cases in this rural area at present. This descriptive study was conducted in our hospital for a period of one year between April 2017 and March 2018. A total of 245 Serum samples were collected from clinically suspected dengue patients attended the out patient department of Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Sera were tested by capture ELISA for the presence of dengue NS1antigen and IgM antibodies. The data were analyzed. Out of 245 samples 111 were showed positive for dengue virus infection. The positive peak values were observed between the months August and December. The maximum positivity was observed in the age group between 16-45 years. Male and female were affected equally. In conclusion, the present study results showed that the study region is endemic for dengue virus infection and there is an urgent need for the continuous monitoring to prevent further transmission of the disease to the community, for which early diagnosis is essential. It can be best done together with dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody detection by capture ELISA. | A study on the prevalence of dengue virus infection using NS1 antigen and igm antibody capture ELISA for the early diagnosis in and around Madurantakam, India
