Performance evaluation of TaqMan™ Arbovirus Triplex Kit (ZIKV/DENV/CHIKV) for detection and differentiation of dengue and chikungunya viral RNA in serum samples of symptomatic patients.

Introduction: Global outbreaks of mosquito-transmitted arbovirus infections, such as dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV), are increasing. Differentiating these infections is challenging due to non-specific symptoms and serology limitations. PCR-based approaches offer higher sensitivity and specificity.

Direct cost of illness for dengue in hospitalized children and adults at a referral hospital in India.

Objectives: To describe the direct cost of illness in pediatric and adult inpatients at a referral hospital in India.

Methods: Inpatients who tested positive for dengue were identified in the hospital records of a single private non-profit hospital over a period of 1 year and line-listed. Hospital discharge bills were obtained for pediatric and adult patients and the median costs by severity of illness for bed and treatment were estimated.

First reported case of naturally acquired fatal anthrax from Northeast India.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease and is caused by Bacillus anthracis which is a Gram-positive, nonmotile, spore-forming rod, found in soil. The spores can remain viable for decades. Transmission occurs naturally in humans by direct contact with infected animals or the contaminated animal products.