A recent article published in the Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology evaluated multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for diagnosis of dengue virus in children hospitalized with severe dengue (SD), and attempted to establish an association between the clinical severity with specific serotypes.

This study included samples of 485 hospitalized pediatric patients with suspected dengue from March 2019 to February 2020. Multiplex RT-PCR was employed for diagnosis. 

The results showed that 325 (67%) patients were positive for dengue RNA by real-time PCR. All four serotypes were identified throughout the year; dengue serotype 2 (DEN-2) was predominant (61%) followed by DEN-3 (20%). Multiplex RT- PCR showed greater sensitivity than the commonly used NS1 testing, in diagnosing SD.

It was concluded that multiplex RT- PCR is a rapid and accurate diagnostic test for children hospitalized with SD. DEN-2 was the predominant serotype in severe cases. It was advised to conduct year-round continued surveillance of serotypes in endemic areas.

Source: Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. Jul-Dec 2020;38(3 & 4):288-292. doi: 10.4103/ijmm.IJMM_20_249.