Use of a rapid immunochromatographic test for early diagnosis of dengue virus infection.

Acute serum samples collected from 92 patients were analysed for the presence of immunoglobulin M and G antibodies against dengue viruses using a rapid immunochromatographic (IC) test. Of 52 patients with dengue virus infection diagnosed using a standard hemagglutination inhibition test, 41 patients demonstrated dengue virus infection using the IC test. Half of the serum samples collected on day 3 after the onset of fever were positive for dengue antibodies, and all were positive on day 6 after symptom onset. In comparison with the hemagglutination inhibition test, the rapid IC test showed 79% sensitivity and 95% specificity. The efficiency of the test was 86%. The IC test showed good agreement with the hemagglutination inhibition test (k=0.72). The IC test is quick to perform and provides early diagnosis of dengue virus infection.