Prevalence and clinical criteria predicting diagnosis and out come of dengue infection among Sudanese patients

This is a prospective case controlled hospital based study done in khartoum teaching hospital in the period feb 2004-Aug2004 . The aim of the study was to asses the prevalence and clinical presentation of Dengue fever and to determine morbidity and mortality among febrile patients. 107 patients of age ranged between (15-60) years and who had fever for less than two weeks duration were selected for the study . A written consents were obtained from all patients and controls . Base line data was collected through a questionnaire that included the history of illness and clinical examination for each patient. Investigations were done for all patients including blood film for malaria ,ICT for malaria, white blood count and urine analysis . All pateints and control were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies against Dengue virus by rapid test. Significant immuogobulim M(IgM) was detected in (10.28%) of the study group(febrile patients). • No positive result for immuonglobulin G(IgG) against dengue virus was detected neither in febrile patients nor in controls. The study showed a significant association between presence of I gM antbody against Dengue virus and the following symptoms . • Fever between (37- 38.5 C) • Headache and cough(100%) • Myalgia(90.9%) • Neck pain(63.3%) While diarrhea , retro-orbital pain and photophobia were less likely presentation (27.3%). Lymphadenopathy (cervical& submandibular) was detected in (99%) of the study group and in all IgM positive patients suggesting other infections beside Dengue fever . No haemorrhagic signs were detected in the study and all patients recovered in 1-2 weeks with only supportive treatment