Seroprevalence of various viral diseases in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Introduction: Virus-borne diseases have recently gained significant public health importance. Viruses infect several hosts, including animal reservoirs, evolve quickly, and recombine emerging and reemerging to pose recurring dangers to humans. The Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) located at Government Theni Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, conducts the diagnosis of common virus infections. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2022, the VRDL received whole blood sera samples from 84,059 patients suspected of having various viral illnesses. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect viral infections in all of the samples. Results: A total of 84,059 individuals suspected for various viral infections have been tested and out of these 4948 (5.88%) cases have been reported to be positive and among them, the dengue virus is predominantly followed by, hepatitis B virus, chikungunya virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and rubella virus. Conclusion: The issue of emerging and re-emerging infectious illnesses, particularly those caused by viruses, has grown in importance in public health. Timely action combined with proper information and the ability to diagnose infections may save many lives.

Keywords

• chikungunya
• dengue
• hepatitis
• herpes simplex
• viral research and diagnostic laboratory