27 November 2008 Blood Weekly
(NewsRx.com) — Researchers detail in ‘Co-circulations of two genotypes of dengue virus in 2006 out-break of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Karachi, Pakistan,’ new data in dengue fever. According to recent research from Karachi, Pakistan, “The status of dengue genotypes involved in the recent epidemic out-breaks in Pakistan is not well defined. We sought to analyze the predominant genotype responsible for the most severe and largest out-break of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) that hit Karachi in 2006.”
“Retrospective analysis of stored serum samples for dengue virus genotype by multiplex RT-PCR, anti-dengue IgM, IgG and review of clinical charts of patients admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital. Viral RNA detection of 250 patients revealed positive results in 185 (74.0%) samples. DEN-2 was predominant genotype (n=104, 56.2%) Dengue specific antibodies were detected in 139 samples of which 81 were classified as primary cases. DEN-2 accounted for these. Within secondary cases, 63.2% were due to DEN-2 (total 57), the rest were positive for DEN-3. DHF (p=0.064) and abdominal pain (p=0.059) were more frequently associated with DEN-2 as compared to DEN-3. None of the samples were positive for DEN-1 or DEN-4. Co-circulation of DEN-2 and DEN-3 was responsible for the 2006 out-break in Karachi. Primary and secondary cases were seen in both groups. Cases with DHF showed marginal association with DEN-2,” wrote E. Khan and colleagues, Aga Khan University, Department of Pathology.
The researchers concluded: “Introduction of a new serotype (DEN-3) and or a genotypic shift of endemic serotype (DEN-2) are the probable factors for the recent out-break of DHF in this region.”
Khan and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Clinical Virology (Co-circulations of two genotypes of dengue virus in 2006 out-break of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Karachi, Pakistan. Journal of Clinical Virology, 2008;43(2):176-9).
For additional information, contact E. Khan, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Dept. of Pathology & Microbiology, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan.
Publisher contact information for the Journal of Clinical Virology is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.
This article was prepared by Blood Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Blood Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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