Understanding Dengue Infection in School Children in Thailand
Author Information
Author(s): Endy Timothy P., Anderson Kathryn B., Nisalak Ananda, Yoon In-Kyu, Green Sharone, Rothman Alan L., Thomas Stephen J., Jarman Richard G., Libraty Daniel H., Gibbons Robert V.
Primary Institution: State University of New York, Upstate Medical University
Hypothesis
What factors determine the ratio of symptomatic to inapparent dengue infections among school children?
Conclusion
The study found that the symptomatic to inapparent dengue infection ratio varies widely among schools and years, influenced by previous infection rates.
Supporting Evidence
- The study tracked 2,214 students over five years.
- 66% of detected infections were inapparent.
- The symptomatic to inapparent ratio varied significantly by year.
- Previous year's incidence influenced the current year's disease severity.
- All four dengue virus serotypes were detected during the study.
- Hospitalized cases represented 14.8% of symptomatic infections.
- Statistical analysis showed significant annual variation in the S:I ratio.
- Demographics showed no significant differences in sex distribution.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many kids get sick from dengue and how many don't show symptoms. It found that the number of sick kids can change a lot from year to year.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study was conducted over five years, tracking dengue infections in school children through blood samples and health evaluations.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on school attendance and health care visits for identifying symptomatic cases.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific geographic area and may not be generalizable to other regions.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 7 to 16 years from 12 primary schools in Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.53–0.74
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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