A rapid identification of dengue viruses from clinical samples by using a
nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedure
was carried out for diagnostic and epidemiological purposes. RT-PCR
identified DEN-1 and DEN-2 viruses in 41% (41/100) of previously confirmed
cases and provided an accurate confirmation of DHF in four fatal cases.
RT-PCR was also useful for detecting and typing dengue viruses in suspected
cases, allowing a rapid identification of new serotypes in endemic areas.
