Dengue Virus in Nepal
Author Information
Author(s): Pandey Basu Dev, Morita Kouichi, Khanal Santa Raj, Takasaki Tomohiko, Miyazaki Isao, Ogawa Tetsuro, Inoue Shingo, Kurane Ichiro
Primary Institution: Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
Conclusion
Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever have likely been misdiagnosed and underestimated in Nepal due to a lack of surveillance and awareness among health professionals.
Supporting Evidence
- Dengue virus has emerged in southern Asia, with epidemics reported in neighboring countries.
- The first DF case in Nepal was reported in 2004.
- Dengue virus antibody prevalence was reported to be 10.4% in southwestern Nepal.
- The Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, is known to persist in the Terai region.
Takeaway
Dengue fever is a serious illness caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes, and it has been affecting people in Nepal more than we thought.
Methodology
Blood specimens were collected from patients, and dengue virus-specific IgM was detected using immunoglobulin M–capture ELISA.
Potential Biases
Health professionals do not usually consider dengue as a differential diagnosis, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
Limitations
Sample collection was delayed, and the samples were transported in a deteriorated condition, which may have affected the results.
Participant Demographics
Patients admitted to hospitals in the Terai region of Nepal with febrile symptoms.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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