Dengue virus: A global human threat: Review of literature

Abstract

Dengue is an acute viral illness caused by RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae and spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Presenting features may range from asymptomatic fever to dreaded complications such as hemorrhagic fever and shock. A cute-onset high fever, muscle and joint pain, myalgia, cutaneous rash, hemorrhagic episodes, and circulatory shock are the commonly seen symptoms. Oral manifestations are rare in dengue infection; however, some cases may have oral features as the only presenting manifestation. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to reduce mortality. Although dengue virus infections are usually self-limiting, dengue infection has come up as a public health challenge in the tropical and subtropical nations. This article provide a detailed overview on dengue virus infections, varied clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and prevention and treatment.

Serum lipid profile as a predictor of dengue severity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…This situation is all the more alarming considering the current treatment is palliative, ie, designed to control only the symptoms. Furthermore, the first dengue vaccine named Dengvaxia (Sanofi‐Aventis), approved for use in several endemic countries, has demonstrated a moderate level of global efficacy and some safety problems, especially, in vaccinated individuals seronegative for Flavivirus …”

Dengue Fever in Pakistan, Episodes of Epidemic to Endemic: Treatment Challenges, Prevention and Current Facts

“…Major obstacles in the development and progress of dengue vaccines are mainly associated with complex serology of viral origin, multifaceted pathology and inadequate investment by vaccine designers [53]. Careful attempts are aimed in the advancement of antiviral drugs that can shun life threatening episodes regarding dengue fever [54]. Most recently a research group studied the covalently linked dengue virus envelope glycoprotein dimers in order to decrease the revelation of the immunedominant combination loop epitope.…”

Dengue fever rash: white islands in a sea of red

“…The initial rash occurs due to capillary dilatation, hence blanchable, and presents as a transient facial flushing erythema before or during the first 1–2 days of fever . The second rash is seen at 3 days to 1 week following fever and presents as a maculopapular or morbilliform eruption . This convalescent rash of dengue fever appears about 2–3 days after defervescence.…”

“…This convalescent rash of dengue fever appears about 2–3 days after defervescence. It is characterized by generalized confluent petechial rash which does not blanch upon pressure, with multiple small round islets of normal skin, thus resulting in a typical appearance of “white islands in a sea of red” . It is suggested to occur due to an immune response to the virus.…”