Frequency of IgG positivity against dengue fever virus in asymptomatic healthcare professionals of Pakistan

Abstract

Dengue fever is the most common arboviral illness transmitted worldwide through Aedes

mosquitoes. The spectrum of Disease varies from asymptomatic cases to undifferentiated fever, Dengue fever, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock syndrome. This cross sectional study was done to determine the frequency of IgG passivity against dengue fever virus in asymptomatic healthcare professionals. The study was conducted in the Medical Wards of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan over a period of six months. A sample of 3ml venous blood was collected from 200 professionals; serum was separated by and used for ELISA. Mean age of the sample was 28.5±7.7 years; 47.5% males and 52.5% females. 30.5% of them were IgG positivity while 69.5% were not. This study helped to highlight the sub-clinical cases of dengue fever in health care professionals reflecting the need Effective disease prevention programs and Education of medical community to reduce the impact of epidemic.