Screening of Dengue Fever by NS1 Antigen and Immunoglobulin M Antibodies in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Warangal, Telangana, South India
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: RNA) purification processes, and access to extra serum samples for serological testing.6 Since NS1 is required for viral replication, a patient's level of viremia is directly correlated with the percentage of secreted NS1 (sNS1) in their serum.7 Using NS1Ag tests has the benefit that they can be positive as early as the first day of fever since NS1Ag has been detected in the blood circulation before viral RNA.Furthermore, antidengue IgM antibodies do not hinder detection.8 High-specificity NS1Ag tests can also be used in serotype calculation.For all intents and purposes, they are a straightforward, effective, and reasonable alternative to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in underdeveloped countries for early dengue diagnosis.9 Since there is currently no specific treatment or commercially available vaccine to prevent or treat the infection, early detection of IntroductIonDengue virus, belonging to the Flavivirus genus and the Flaviviridae family, 1 has four distinct serotypes (DENV 1-4).Humans acquire DENV through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti (the most frequent vector) and Aedes albopictus (to a lesser extent). 2 Upon binding to the host cell, the viral genome assembles a polyprotein complex.This complex contains structural proteins such as the nucleocapsid (C), membrane/membrane (prM/M), and envelope (E), as well as seven nonstructural proteins: NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5. 3 During the initial stages of a dengue infection, patients' serum or plasma levels of the antigen known as nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) glycoprotein are elevated.4 After 4-5 days of illness, the virus's NS1 antigen might be found in serum or plasma.The preferred method of diagnosis is the detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) or immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies after 5 days, once the first phase of infection has ended.5 The early identification of dengue patients is essential for effective disease control, etiological investigations, and prompt therapeutic care.The World Health Organization (WHO) 2009 guidelines outline a battery of tests that can be used to diagnose dengue fever, including viral isolation and identification, nucleotide detection, serological testing for IgM or IgG seroconversion, hematological tests, and detection of antigens and nucleic acids.Despite their potential for rapid field diagnosis, these methods have several drawbacks, such as specialized knowledge, high-priced laboratory equipment, lengthy viral isolation and ribonucleic acid 1,
Source: The Journal of Medical Sciences
Authors: Sreedasyam Sreedevi, Gudikandula Krishna
Institutions: Kakatiya University, Kakatiya Medical College
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409366017