Understanding the ANA prevalence and its common pattern in seroconverted dengue infected patients

Abstract

Background: A common complication after viral infection is the onset of autoimmune diseases. Dengue viremia may provoke the immune complex formation in patients who are predisposed to develop autoimmune diseases.Aim: To assess relation between dengue and autoimmune diseases.Methodology: A prospective study was conducted over clinically symptomatic dengue patients, who tested positive for IgMAb + NS1 Ag, by examining them after six month duration for presence of IgGAb and ANA and their patterns, using Indirect Immuno fluorescence test (IIFT). Frequency, Mean and standard deviation were calculated, followed by Mann-Whitney U test and Chi square test for categorical data.Results: 765 cases, among 2249 suspected dengue patients, were found positive for IgM and NS1. After six months, 163 patients were assessed further; out of whom, 120 had developed IgG; while 22 were found ANA positive. Nuclear homogeneous pattern (AC-1) was the most common pattern for ANA Ab.Conclusion: The patients who are dengue seropositive should be periodically screened for ANA and autoimmune disease development.