Humaira Zafar, Mobina Dhodhy, Abbas Hayyat, Naeem Akhtar, Fatima Rizwan, Bushra Chaudhary, Sumaira Zareef.
Seroprevalence of dengue viral infection in healthy population residing in rural areas of district Rawalpindi.
Int J Pathol Jan ;8(1):13-5.

Background: This current study is perhaps the first study of its type in any rural area of Pakistan. It was carried out on healthy population resident of different villages of Tehsil Kahutta, District Rawalpindi. Although Dengue Viral Infection was believed to be only present in urban and semi urban areas. Hypothesis: Dengue viral infection is prevalent in rural areas of District Rawalpindi. Aims and Objectives: 1. To find out the prevalence of Dengue viral infection (IgG) in rural areas. 2. To highlight subclinical cases of Dengue Viral Infection. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional Study. Study Duration: 7 Months. Sample Size: 96 Samples. Inclusion Criterion: 1. Individuals who have never suffered from Dengue infection. 2. Both male and female population of any age group. 3. Must be the resident of rural area. Exclusion Criterion: 1. Individuals who have a strong history of Dengue infection. 2. Individuals who have a strong history of immunization for Japanese encephalitis, Yellow fever, and Tick borne encephalitis. Thus to prevent erroneous results because of cross reacting antibody formation. Methodology: A Systematic Random Sampling procedure was adopted. A written informed consent form and bio data proforma filling were the pre requisites of study. Than 3ml of venous blood sample was drawn from every participant. Finally ELISA test was done to detect the presence of IgG Anti Dengue Antibodies. Results: Out of 96 participants, 13 (13.5%) were found to be positive for IgG Anti Dengue Antibodies presence. Conclusion: Dengue viral infection is prevalent in rural areas of District Rawalpindi.

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