Positive NS1 Antigen in Non-Dengue Virus Infection Serum: Possible Reasons for the Discrepancy with DENV PCR Results

Abstract

Background and Objective: A specific examination is required to distinguish between DVI and viral, bacterial, and parasitic illnesses because their clinical manifestations are nearly identical. Leukopenia and lymphocytosis are examples of non-specific tests that might be used to get a diagnosis. Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen, anti-DENV antibody, or DENV-specific nucleic acid detection are more specific assays. Methods: Virus isolation or molecular analysis of the detection of DENV nucleic acid ribonucleic acid (RNA) using RT-PCR was used to make the conclusive diagnosis of DVI. The sensitivity of the DENV RT-PCR method ranges from 28.8 to 99%. NS1 antigen is used as an initial diagnostic option in primary health care because it has a high specificity value (100%). Researchers want to analyze the positivity in non-DVI samples that have been confirmed by real-time RT-PCR examination with semi-quantitative NS1 antigen examination. Patient population aged 1-65 years with acute fever <5 days. A total of 130 samples of non-DVI confirmed patients by RT-PCR were examined for NS1Antigen ELISA. Results: With a proportion of 3.08% of the total sample, the results showed that 4 NS1Antigen ELISA samples were positive. A negative DENV RT-PCR result could indicate either a true negative or a false negative. Conclusion: The type of PCR technology, the primer used, the existence or absence of a DENV mutation, the DENV serotype, and the presence of mismatched nucleotides can all affect variations in DENV PCR sensitivity. Keywords: RT-PCR DENV, NS1Ag, Dengue Virus Infection