Evaluation of Dengue and Chikungunya Infections in Children

Dengue and Chikungunya Infections in Children

Abstract

Background: The aim is to evaluate dengue and chikungunya infections in children. Subjects and Methods: One hundred five children age ranged 9-17 years of both genders were selected for this prospective, observational study. Serological confirmation for dengue was performed by determining IgM level. Molecular detection of the virus Viral RNA from DENV and CHIKV were detected using reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Results: Age group 9-11 years comprised of 23, 12-14 had 48 and 15-17 years had 34 children. CHIKV was detected in 30, DENV in 52 and DENV- CHIKV in 23 cases. Common symptoms seen in CHIKV, DENV and DENV- CHIKV patients were cough in 80%, 62% and 61%, diarrhea in 54%, 67% and 54%, rash in 90%, 82% and 67%, headache in 87%, 90% and 55%, nausea in 74%, 62% and 43%, oedema in 69%, 76% and 37%, abdominal tenderness in 72%, 82% and 42% and myalgia in 24%, 75% and 64% respectively. A non- significant difference was observed (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Results of the study reveals that among all infection, dengue virus infection was predominantly seen among children followed by chikungunya virus infection. Maximum cases were seen in age group 12-14 years.