Prevalence Of Dengue Serotypes And Its Correlation With Clinical Profile: A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study In Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, remains a significant public health challenge in India. Dengue virus (DENV) has four distinct serotypes, with shifting circulation patterns and varied clinical presentations.

Objectives: To identify DENV serotypes in clinically suspected dengue cases, determine their prevalence, and assess associations between serotype and clinical severity in a Tertiary Care Centre at Puducherry.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 adult, RT-PCR confirmed dengue inpatients. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG ELISA and RT-PCR were used for diagnosis and serotyping. Associations between serotypes, severity, and clinical/laboratory variables were analyzed using Chi-square and ANOVA.

Results: Although DENV2 was the most prevalent serotype (60%) DENV3 was the most strongly associated with severe dengue, with 100% of cases exhibiting severe symptoms such as DHF Grades 1 and 2 and low platelet counts. Both DENV1 and DENV4 showed a benign clinical picture, with moderate sickness and no serious consequences. The majority of infections (IgM+ in 77%) were primary, while DENV3 was more frequently associated with secondary infections, which are typically more serious. Clinical characteristics, platelet count, disease severity, and serotype were all found to be significantly correlated. DENV3 individuals, in contrast to other serotypes, exhibited characteristic severe dengue but lacked DUF. For the purpose of forecasting outbreak severity and directing response, routine serotyping and focused surveillance are essential.