Purpose: In this study, we are trying to find out viral aetiology in paediatric age group patients from 1 month to 15 years of age in Western Rajasthan region.
Methods: A total of 105 patients from 1 month to 15 years were recruited into this study. CSF samples were collected and were processed by multiplex real-time PCR for detection of various predefined panels of viral agents. ELISA was also done for all samples for detection of dengue, JE, measles and mumps.
Results: A total of 32 samples out of 105 were tested positive for viral agents. Viral aetiology detected in this study were Adenovirus (n = 2), EBV (n = 1), HHV-1 (n = 10), HHV-6 (N = 5), Parechovirus (n = 1), Parvovirus B19 (n = 7), Dengue (n = 2) and Measles (n = 1). Mixed infections were also detected, HHV-1 and HHV-6 (n = 2), HHV-1 and Parvovirus B19 (n = 1). In 73 patients no viral aetiology could be detected.
Conclusions: Parvovirus B19 is sporadically prevalent in this geographical region. In this study, HHV-6 was also found which has not been reported earlier from India.
Keywords: Acute febrile encephalopathy; HHV-6; Multiplex real-time PCR; Viral aetiology.
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