Profile of Dengue Fever in Hospitalized Children in Saurashtra, Gujarat, 2013-2017.

OBJECTIVE: To study the five year trend of epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue infections from year 2013 to 2017 among children upto 15 years. METHODS: This study presents data from review of microbiology department records of samples for dengue testing with information supplied by clinicians on the investigation request form. Patients were tested for NS1 Ag, IgM Ab or both. RESULTS: Out of 4216 samples, 1072 (25.4%) were positive for dengue. Positivity ranged from 44.2% in year 2013, 25.8% in 2015 to 16.2% in year 2017. Most cases reported were among male (57.9%), from urban areas (77.9%) and Rajkot district (75.7%). Reporting of dengue cases increased from July to November with peak during October every year. CONCLUSIONS: Serum samples for dengue serology were more commonly positive in July-September months during the study period, and in male children, and those from urban areas.

Epidemiological characteristics of dengue disease in Saurashtra region, India, during year 2015.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is an important vector-borne disease with a spectrum of classical fever to hemorrhagic fever to dengue shock syndrome. The present study was conducted with objective to study epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue infections during the year 2015 in Saurashtra region, Gujarat state, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at Tertiary Care Hospital, Rajkot, during the year 2015. A total of 3312 blood samples were collected and tested for dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody by capture ELISA testing from various districts of Saurashtra region. A pretested structured data sheet was used as a tool for data collection, and data analysis was done. RESULTS: Out of 3312 tested samples, 33.4% samples were found positive for dengue. Suspected cases were reported from all age groups, including majority from 15 to 24 years (31.1%) and 25 to 44 years (30.0%) and also 8.4% from 0 to 4 years. More than two-third (68.7%) of males were dengue positive than female cases. Significant numbers of cases (P < 0.01) were residing in urban areas (65.7%). Two-third cases (66.8%) diagnosed after 7 days of fever by IgM antibody test. Increasing number of dengue cases reported from July and reached to peak during October 2015. CONCLUSION: The present study reported that dengue mainly affected males and urban population. Perennial occurrence with seasonal increase during monsoon and postmonsoon months was reported. Effective implementation of vector control measures through efforts toward vector breeding source reduction and with the use of personal prophylactic measures against mosquito bites will help in reducing the dengue prevalence in the community.

Epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue disease at a tertiary care centre in Saurashtra region during the year 2013.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Dengue is one of the most important vector-borne viral infection which may lead to haemorrhage or even shock. The present study was conducted with an objective to study the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of dengue disease during the year 2013 in Saurashtra region of Gujarat state, India. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted at sentinel surveillance centre for dengue disease at microbiology department of tertiary care hospital in Rajkot, Gujarat from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2013. A total of 4366 blood samples were collected during study period and serologically tested for dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody by capture ELISA testing from various districts of Saurashtra region. Patients with acute onset of illness, high grade fever, severe headache, backache, musculoskeletal pain or retro-bulbar pain with or without rashes were considered as clinically suspected case of dengue virus infection. Patient who presented with fever and found positive for Dengue NS1 Ag and/or IgM Ab was considered as a case. A pre-tested structured proforma was used as a tool for data collection. The data was entered into EpiInfo software and analyzed by using appropriate statistical test (chi-square test). RESULTS: Out of 4366 tested samples, 41.3% samples were found positive for dengue. Majority of samples were tested in age group 16-25 yr (33.9%) and 26-45 yr (31.1%). The ratio of male cases (60.8%) was higher than female cases. Two-third (68.7%) suspected cases were residing in urban areas of Saurashtra region. More than half of the cases (57%) were diagnosed within five days of fever by NS1 antigen test. The reporting of number of cases increased from July 2013, which reached to peak during September 2013 followed by decrease till December 2013. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Dengue predominately affected males and urban population. A seasonal occurrence was reported mainly during monsoon season. A long term serosurveillance study may help to provide more information about the intensity, seasonal incidence and seasonal effect.

Emergence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Amreli District of Gujarat State, India, June to July 2013.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) etiology was detected in a family cluster (nine cases, including two deaths) in the village of Karyana, Amreli District, and also a fatal case in the village of Undra, Patan District, in Gujarat State, India. Anti-CCHFV IgG antibodies were detected in domestic animals from Karyana and adjoining villages. Hyalomma ticks from households were found to be positive for CCHF viral RNA. This confirms the emergence of CCHFV in new areas and the wide spread of this disease in Gujarat State.

Seropositivity of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV in antenatal women in India.

INTRODUCTION: The epidemiology of viral hepatitis during pregnancy is of paramount importance for health planners and program managers. Data on viral hepatitis during pregnancy are not readily available. This study was conducted to assess the extent of seropositivity of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis in pregnant women and to re-evaluate the need for routine antenatal care screening. METHODOLOGY: All samples were tested to detect HBsAg by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples were tested to detect anti-HCV by ELISA. Samples were also tested for antibodies to Treponema Pallidum by qualitative rapid plasma reagine (RPR); finally, samples were tested for antibodies to HIV by three different methods as per Strategy III of the National AIDS Control Organization by using different systems of testing to establish a diagnosis of HIV. RESULTS: Seropositivity of hepatitis B was 2.9%, hepatitis C was 0.19%, syphilis was 0.48%, and HIV was 0.38%. Out of the 1038 samples, no co-infection was found between hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, or HIV. CONCLUSION: The data from this study can help health professionals to treat antenatal patients more effectively. The data also reinforces the need for establishing effective prevention programs, which could lead to a reduction in the prevalence of HBV, HCV, syphilis, and HIV.

To Study the Prevalence of Various Enteric Parasitic Infections Among HIV Infected Individuals in the P.D.U. Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Enteric parasites are a major cause of diarrhoea in HIV infected individuals. The present study was undertaken to detect the enteric parasites in HIV infected patients with diarrhoea, who were at different levels of immunity. METHODS: This study was carried out in the P.D.U Medical College and Civil Hospital, Rajkot, India. during the period from June 2009 to June 2010. A total of 100 stool samples from HIV seropositive patients were examined for opportunistic, gastrointestinal parasitic infections. The samples were classified according to the age groups, sex, and occupation, a history of diarrhoea and different categories of the CD4 cell count. The stool samples were collected and examined for enteric parasites by microscopy and by special staining methods. The CD4 cell counts were estimated by using the FACS count system. RESULTS: The intestinal parasitic pathogens were detected in 28% patients. Among all, Isospora appeared to have the highest prevalence (18%), followed by Giardia lamblia (5%), Strongyloides stercoralies (3%) and Cryptosporidium parvum (2%). In the HIV infected patients with a CD4 count of < 200 cells/µl, Isospora was the most commonly observed (56%) pathogen. The proportion of the opportunistic pathogens in the patients with CD4 counts of <200 cells/µl was significantly higher as compared to those in the other two groups of patients with CD4 counts of >200 respectively. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Parasitic infections were detected in 28% of the HIV infected patients and a low CD4 count was significantly associated with an opportunistic infection. The detection of the aetiologic pathogens might help the clinicians in deciding the appropriate management strategies.