Study by NIV Pune finds severe dengue strain dominant in Telangana

A retrospective research on Dengue serotypes done by the National Institute of Virology, Pune, and recently published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, has shed light on the prevalent dengue strains in Telangana.

The DENV-2 strain is the most common in the state, and it is known to induce serious symptoms such as thrombocytopenia, low platelet count, and cutaneous bleeding more frequently than other strains.

According to the study, around 34% of Telangana samples obtained in 2018 were infected with DENV-2, with another 10% infected with several serotypes.

Nearly 4,963 samples were examined across the country. The study discovered that the DENV-2 strain is prevalent not only in Telangana but throughout India, and that among the four strains, it is the most likely to decrease platelet count and induce stomach discomfort.

However, there is no reason to fear, according to public health experts, because the approach to dealing with this strain was comparable to others.

“From what we know, DENV-2 does not significantly change the transmission rate, morbidity or change the clinical management as done in treating other strains,” said Dr Rangareddy Burri, president, Infection Control Academy and Honorary Professor, UoH. The Centre has stated the strain as one of the likely causes for the current outbreak in UP.