Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Dengue Fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever During the 2024 Dengue Outbreak

Abstract

Background: Dengue is a vector-borne viral infection that poses a significant public health threat in tropical and subtropical regions, ranging from mild fever to severe forms like DHF and DSS. Gender and platelet count are thought to influence disease severity, but their roles remain unclear.

Objective: This study aims to explore the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of dengue patients, focusing on gender differences and platelet count’s association.

Methodology: This was a prospective study carried out in the Department of Virology in NILMRC, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July to November 2024. The study population comprised confirmed dengue patients admitted to the Medicine Ward of AMZ Hospital during the study period, as well as outdoor patients from NILMRC, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Serology and RT PCR were performed.

Results: 57.9% were male and 42.1% were female, with a higher prevalence of dengue among males. The majority of patients were in the 16-25 (30.1%) and 26-35 (29.5%) age groups. Gender differences were observed in clinical features: males more frequently reported cough, headache, myalgia, fatigue, joint pain, and low platelet count, while females had a higher incidence of rash and nausea/vomiting. A higher proportion of males (8.2%) experienced severe complications like DHF/DSS.84.2% having platelet counts >100,000 cells/μL. Elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were observed in 42.5% and 37% of patients, respectively. DENV-2 was the predominant serotype (61%). Lower platelet counts (≤100,000 cells/μL) were associated with higher incidences of severe complications, elevated AST and ALT levels, and hematocrit rise >20%.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant gender differences in the clinical presentation and severity of dengue, with males more frequently experiencing musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and severe complications like DHF and DSS. Platelet count emerged as a key marker for predicting severe outcomes.

Journal of Monno Medical College December, 2025;11(2):113-120