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Automated leucocyte VCS parameter profiling for differentiating SARS-CoV-2 and dengue infections: A comparative
R Jayashree1, M Suchitra Shenoy2, Sridevi Hanaganahalli Basavaiah3
1Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|April 20, 2026
Summary
This study compared leukocyte volume, conductivity, and scatter (VCS) parameters in COVID-19 and dengue infections. While distinct patterns emerged, no single VCS parameter reliably predicted disease severity for either infection.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Technology
Background:
- Automated hematology analyzers utilize volume, conductivity, and scatter (VCS) technology to assess leukocyte characteristics.
- COVID-19 and dengue are significant global and endemic infections, respectively, with distinct clinical presentations.
- Understanding leukocyte responses in these infections is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively analyze leukocyte-VCS parameters in patients with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and dengue infections.
- To evaluate the potential of leukocyte-VCS parameters as a diagnostic tool for differentiating between these two infections.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 200 patients (100 COVID-19, 100 dengue) over six months.
- Complete blood counts (CBC) with VCS parameters were analyzed using Beckman Coulter DxH 800/900 analyzers.
- VCS properties of neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes were compared between the two groups.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 cases showed higher white blood cell (WBC) count, absolute neutrophil count, and platelet count.
- Dengue cases presented with thrombocytopenia, higher absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts, and lower WBC count.
- Distinct VCS parameter profiles were observed: higher neutrophil volume/conductivity in COVID-19, higher neutrophil scatter in dengue, and higher monocyte conductivity in dengue.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in leukocyte parameters and VCS properties exist between COVID-19 and dengue infections.
- Individual VCS parameters showed limited predictive accuracy for disease severity.
- Future research could explore combined parameters and modeling for improved predictive capabilities.
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