Molecular Characterization and Clinical Profile of Dengue Virus Serotypes in NS1-Positive Patients: A Cross-sectional Study from Rajkot, Gujarat, India

BackgroundDengue virus infection remains a significant public health concern in India, with changing serotype dynamics influencing disease epidemiology. Understanding local serotype distribution and clinical characteristics is crucial for effective disease management and surveillance. ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of dengue virus serotypes and analyze their clinical characteristics among NS1-positive patients at a tertiary-care hospital in Gujarat, India. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on NS1-positive dengue patients admitted to AIIMS Rajkot from September 2023 to November 2024. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for serotype identification. Clinical and demographic data were collected and analyzed. ResultsNS1-positive patients (70) were confirmed by RT-PCR. DENV-2 was the predominant serotype (53 cases, 75.7%), followed by DENV-1 and DENV-3 (7 cases each, 10.0%), and DENV-4 (2 cases, 2.9%). One co-infection case (DENV-2 + DENV-3) (1.4%) was identified. The mean age was 27.7 {+/-} 14.4 years, with male predominance (58.6%). Young adults (19-35 years) were most affected (45.7%), followed by pediatric patients [≤]18 years (32.9%). Severe dengue occurred in only one case (1.4%), while hospitalization was required in 25 cases (35.7%). All patients presented with fever, chills, headache (50%), rashes (56%), and malaise (56%), being the most common associated symptoms. ConclusionsDENV-2 showed clear predominance in the Rajkot region during the study period, with low rates of severe disease. The significant pediatric and young adult involvement highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies. These findings contribute to the understanding of regional dengue epidemiology and support evidence-based surveillance and control measures.