Abstract

A Study on Dual Infections in Pyrexia Cases

Author(s):Joel Mukesh Raja, Annapoorna Mary and S. Usha

Co-existing infections (Malaria and dengue) go undetected due to lack of clinical suspicion and overlapping symptoms. Co-existing infections are on the rise in tropics. This study is undertaken to assess the prevalence of coinfections of some common tropical infections like malaria, dengue, typhoid, and leptospirosis in pyrexia cases. Also any associated complications with dual infections are dealt within this study. A cross-sectional study was undertaken including inpatient A.C.S. Medical college and hospital from May, 2013 to January, 2014 Suffering from fever of 100° and above with additional symptoms like Abdominal pain, Vomiting, Bleeding in both men and women between ages 5 and above and up to sixty years of age. A total of 100 pyrexia cases were studied. Of those 100 cases pyrexia, the percentage of a single infection, dual infection, triplet infection and other causes were 20%, 9%, 1% and 69% respectively. Among the dual infections, coinfection with malaria and dengue, dengue and typhoid, malaria and typhoid, dengue and leptospirosis were 33.33%, 22.22%, 22.22% and 22.22% respectively. One triplet infection with Malaria, leptospirosis and typhoid was also detected. There is prevalence of coexisting infections with tropical infections like malaria, dengue, leptospirosis and typhoid. Prompt detection of these dual infections can lead to decreased morbidity and mortality. A clinical suspicion must be present to detect these coexisting infections in pyrexia cases.

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