Dengue fever in a south Asian metropolis: a report on 219 cases.

Background And Objectives: Yearly epidemics of Dengue fever occur post-monsoon in India's capital, Delhi. A prospective observational study was conducted during the outbreak months to understand the epidemiology and outcome of this infection and its economic impact.

Materials And Methods: Febrile hospitalized (n=219) patients with dengue fever diagnosed by a combination of MAC-ELISA, GAC-ELISA and NS1Antigen-ELISA were enrolled.

Significance of IgG optical density ratios (index value) in single reactive anti-Dengue virus IgG capture ELISA.

Background And Objectives: A single reactive IgG anti-Dengue virus ELISA test in the absence of IgM antibodies or NS1 antigen may denote current infection or past exposure to the virus. To determine whether IgG index value can be used to identify true current dengue infection we conducted a prospective observational study.

Materials And Methods: Suspected dengue patients (n =1745) were tested in their first specimen by MAC-ELISA, GAC-ELISA and NS1 antigen ELISA.

Commercial Disinfectants During Disinfection Process Validation: More Failures than Success.

Introduction: Disinfection process validation is mandatory before introduction of a new disinfectant in hospital services. Commercial disinfection brands often question existing hospital policy claiming greater efficacy and lack of toxicity of their products. Inadvertent inadequate disinfection leads to morbidity, patient's economic burden, and the risk of mortality.