Publication:

Evaluation of NS1, IgM ELISA and RT-PCR in diagnosis of dengue fever

Background Dengue fever is a mosquito borne disease caused by flavivirus. Its cases are increasing in India with increasing mortality rate year by year hence, prompt and accurate diagnosis is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Methods In this study we enrolled 125 clinically suspected cases of dengue. All the collected samples were processed for RT-PCR, NS1 and IgM ELISA. We evaluated NS1 antigen ELISA alone, and combination of NS1 and IgM ELISA against RT-PCR.

Results Among 125 clinically suspected case 67 were positive by RT-PCR and 58 were negative. Sensitivity and Specificity of NS1 ELISA and NS1 with IgM ELISA (in combination) against RT-PCR were 83.58%, 94.82% and 95.55%, 79.31% respectively. (p<0.001).

Conclusions The NS1 ELISA alone was sufficient to detect acute phase of dengue fever, although, combination of NS1 and IgM proved to be most appropriate method for detection of acute as well as late phase of dengue fever.