NS1 antigen: A new beam of light in the early diagnosis of dengue infection

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate NS1 antigen detection ELISA for the early laboratory diagnosis of dengue virus infection. Methods The present study was conducted to evaluate the overall positivity of NS1 antigen detection ELISA and its comparison with viral RNA detection via real time PCR and IgM antibodies detection by ELISA. Results A total of 1270 serum samples were tested 86% (1097/1270) were detected positive by one or more than one diagnostic test. Out of 1 270, 64% (807/1270) were positive by NS1 ELISA and 52% (662/1270), 51% (646/1270) were positive by real-time RT-PCR and IgM ELISA respectively. Conclusions NS1 antigen detection ELISA is highly suitable diagnostic tools and it also has great value for use in outbreak and epidemic situation.