Hematological parameters in recent and past dengue infections in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: To analyze hematological parameters for potential predictive markers of dengue.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 146 individuals suspected of having dengue at 2 hospitals in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Control samples were concurrently collected from healthy adults (n=59). Samples were screened for anti-dengue antibodies by employing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin (HGB), white blood cells, hematocrit (HCT), platelets count, and red blood cells (RBCs) levels were determined for the dengue positive samples and all the controls.

Results: Of the patients examined, 15% were dengue immunoglobulin M positive and 25% were immunoglobulin G positive. Dengue-infected patients showed lower values of the tested hematological parameters than controls, and significantly lower values were observed for RBCs (p=0.0022), HGB (p=0.0002), and HCT (p<0.0001). Average HGB (12.47g/dl) and HCT (39.03%) values of dengue patients were abnormally low. The average HCT levels were significantly lower in patients with recent dengue infection (41.41% vs. 45.91%, p=0.0230) and past dengue infection (38.63% vs. 45.91%, p<0.0001) compared to controls. However, RBCs and HGB levels were only significantly lower in patients with past and not recent infections.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that prior dengue infections could result in abnormal hematological values, although further research is needed.