Dengue Serotype in Regional Health 10 during October 2011-July 2016: Reports of Pathological Laboratory of the 10th Regional Medical Sciences Center, Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted by Aedes aegyti. It is a public health problem in Thailand and worldwide, especially in tropical countries. The objective was to study dengue serotype and forecast the epidemiological trend. It was conducted by testing suspected samples that were sent from hospitals in Region Health 10 to investigate dengue serotype. The laboratory testing was performed by amplified DNA with Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at pathology laboratory of the 10th Regional Medical Sciences Center Ubon Ratchathani. There were 327 serum samples collected during the study period from October 2011 to July 2016. The results showed that 187 samples were positive (57.2%). There serum were from patients of all age groups; The lowest age was 11 months and the highest was 72 years old. The highest proportion of positive testing was observed among patients aged 10-20 years old, 83 samples or 44.4%. The dengue serotypes showed 93 cases of DEN3 (49.7%) and 51 cases of DEN4 (27.3%). The outbreaks happened throughout the year, with the peak in rainy season (June and July). The outbreak cycle was every two years, especially in June and July. Over two serotypes were detected each year.