SEROPREVALENCE OF DENGUE VIRUS AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA – A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Dengue virus infection is an emerging public health concern in India, representing one of the most common arboviral infections transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The infection’s epidemiology has evolved significantly over the past two decades, with increasing frequency, geographic expansion, and severity of outbreaks¹. This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of dengue virus infection among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India, using both Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and to contextualize findings within the framework of prior regional and national studies. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, between August and December 2023. A total of 431 clinically suspected dengue cases were screened using NS1 antigen and IgM antibody ICT kits. All positive samples and a representative subset of negatives were confirmed using ELISA. Demographic data, seasonal trends, and test-wise comparisons were analyzed descriptively. Results: Out of 431 sera tested, 130 (30.16%) were positive for NS1 antigen and 100 (23.2%) positive for IgM antibody by ELISA, whereas ICT detected 100 (23.2%) NS1 positives and 50 (11.6%) IgM positives. The majority of cases occurred in 21–40-year-olds (29.6%), with males (66.15%) more affected than females (33.84%). The highest incidence was observed during September and October, coinciding with the post-monsoon season. Conclusion: The study confirms a high seroprevalence of dengue infection in Barabanki, comparable with national averages. The findings highlight the predominance of young adult males and the post-monsoon season as a critical period for transmission. Enhanced surveillance, integrated vector management, and use of ELISA-based diagnostic confirmation are vital to control dengue outbreaks effectively.