Correlation of Clinical Severity and Laboratory Parameters with Various Serotypes in Dengue Virus – A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sdj61888Keywords:
Dengue virus, Serotype, Severe dengue, Thrombocytopenia, Aspartate aminotransferaseAbstract
BackgroundDengue is one of the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral infections worldwide. The clinical spectrum ranges from mild febrile illness to severe dengue with plasma leakage, hemorrhage, and organ failure. Disease severity is influenced by viral, host, and immunological determinants. Among viral factors, dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4) are important contributors to clinical variability.
Methodology
A hospital-based retrospective observational study was conducted at Dharanidhar Medical College from January 2022 to December 2025. A total of 3,000 laboratory-confirmed dengue patients were included. Serotyping was performed using RT-PCR. Clinical severity was classified according to World Health Organization 2009 criteria. Laboratory parameters, including platelet count, hematocrit, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, were analyzed using chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and multivariate logistic regression.
Results
DENV-2 was the most prevalent serotype (34%), followed by DENV-1 (28%), DENV-3 (23%), and DENV-4 (15%). Severe dengue was most frequent in DENV-2 (18.6%), followed by DENV-3 (14.9%), DENV-1 (8.3%), and DENV-4 (5.5%). The association between serotype and clinical severity was statistically significant (χ² = 52.4, df = 6, p < 0.001). Mean platelet count was lowest in DENV-2 (41.2 ± 15.3 × 10³/µL), while mean hematocrit was highest (46.7 ± 5.1%). Mean aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were also elevated in DENV-2 (146 ± 51 IU/L and 122 ± 44 IU/L, respectively). All four laboratory parameters differed significantly across serotypes (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified DENV-2 as an independent predictor of severe dengue (adjusted OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.88–2.91, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
DENV-2 and DENV-3 were significantly associated with severe clinical manifestations and laboratory abnormalities.
Recommendation
Routine incorporation of serotype surveillance during dengue outbreaks is recommended to improve early risk assessment and optimize clinical monitoring strategies.
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