Seroprevalence of dengue in a rural and an urbanized village: A pilot study from rural western India

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Dengue is highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. The prevalence of dengue is influenced by number of factors, i.e. host, vector, virus and environmental conditions including urbanization and population density. A cross sectional study was undertaken to determine the seroprevalence of dengue in two selected villages that differed in the level of their urbanization and population density.

METHODS

Two villages with demographically well-defined populations close to Pune, a metropolitan city of western India, were selected for the study. Age stratified serosurvey was carried out during February to May 2011 in the two villages-a rural village A, located 6 km from the national highway with a population density of 159/km2 ; and an urbanized village B, located along the highway with a population density of 779/km2 . Assuming a low seroposi- tivity of 10%, 702 serum samples were collected from village A. Sample size for village B was calculated on the basis of seropositivity obtained in village A, and 153 samples were collected. Serum samples were tested for the presence of dengue virus (DENV)-specific IgG. Simple proportional analyses were used to calculate and compare the seroprevalence.

RESULTS

Of the 702 samples collected from village A, 42.8% were found positive for anti-DENV IgG. A significantly higher seropositivity for DENV (58.8%) was found in village B. In village A, there was an age dependent increase in seroprevalence; whereas, in village B, there was a steep increase from 17% positivity in 0-10 yr age group to 72% in the 11-20 yr age group. The seroprevalence was almost similar in the older age groups.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The observations suggested that prevalence of dengue is probably associated with urbanization and host population density. Areas that are in the process of urbanization needs to be monitored for prevalence of dengue and its vector, and appropriate vector control measures may be implemented.

An uncommon presentation of an inflammatory gingival enlargement--responding to non-surgical periodontal therapy

BACKGROUND

The various clinical manifestations of inflammatory gingival enlargement reported are more or less similar regardless of the underlying aetiological factors. Unusual presentation and unknown aetiology pose a diagnostic challenge for a periodontist.

METHODS

A 34-year-old Indian woman presented with the complaint of gum swelling that was sessile, lobulated, soft in consistency and bluish red in colour with ulcerated surface in some region, which was covered by the necrotic slough. This type of enlargement was unusual and some underlying systemic pathology was suspected. But a written consultation from her physician confirmed her systemic health, which was based on clinical, radiological and haematological investigations. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of inflammatory gingival enlargement. Patient was treated with oral hygiene instructions, scaling and root planning.

RESULT

Within a month of conventional periodontal therapy, gum enlargement reduced markedly and patient was put on oral hygiene maintenance programme.

CONCLUSION

Periodontal therapy is diagnosis-driven and, to the extent possible, should address all the possible factors that impact development and progression of diseases that may affect periodontal tissue. In plaque-induced periodontal diseases, non-surgical periodontal therapy is still a gold standard among all the therapies available.