Most sensitive diagnostic test for dengue is:

Ans. is 'c' i.e., (RT - PCR)(Ref: Ananthanarayan, 9th/e, p. 523 and 7th/e, p. 137; Harper, 27th/e, p. 604)* Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT - PCR) based methods are available for rapid identification and serotyping of dengue virus in acute phase serum, roughly during the period of fever. Isolation of the virus is difficult.* Neutralizing and Hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies appear within a week after the onset of dengue fever. Analysis of paired acute and convalescent sera to show a significant rise in antibody titer is the most reliable evidence of an active dengue infection.