An overview of dengue fever causes and treatment methods
An overview of dengue fever causes and treatment methods
Yalda Bouzarjomehri,1Mohadeseh Amini Musa Abadi,2Seyedeh Aida Hosseini,3Saman Hakimian,4,*
1. Undergraduate student of Microbiology Naghsh-e Jahan Non-Profit Institute 2. Undergraduate student of Microbiology Naghsh-e Jahan Non-Profit Institute 3. Undergraduate student of Microbiology Naghsh-e Jahan Non-Profit Institute 4. M.sc student of Pathogenic Microbes Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch
Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus, and dengue fever is the most common cause of viral diseases transmitted by arthropods worldwide, which has raised a significant public health concern. It is also known by various names, such as bone-breaking fever or 7-day fever, and is characterized by severe muscle contractions, joint pain, and high fever, which indicate the severity and persistence of symptoms. Most cases of dengue virus are asymptomatic; however, it is a severe disease and can cause fatality, especially in areas where female Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) transmit the virus the most.
Methods: Dengue has been known for more than 200 years and is common in Asia, along the Atlantic coast and the American Gulf and the Caribbean, with its first being recognized in the Philippines in 1954. Dengue viruses (DENVs) are positive single-stranded RNA viruses enclosed in a protein capsule surrounded by a coating that gives it a spherical shape; Their RNA genome is made up of seven non-structural protein (NS) genes and three structural protein genes, including the nucleus, membrane, and coating. Key cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-10 play a key role in the pathogenesis of dengue. There are four different but related dengue virus serotypes: DENV1 to DENV4 where disease severity is often associated with the response of CD8+ T cells. These viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes and their clinical symptoms range from asymptomatic to severe hemorrhagic fever.
Results: In addition, it is important to educate patients about the warning signs and advise them to see a doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Patients with warning signs, severe dengue fever, or risk factors such as age, pregnancy status, diabetes, or those living alone should be evaluated for hospitalization. People who show warning signs can start treatment with intravenous (IV) crystalloid fluids, and fluid rates are adjusted based on the patient's response. Patients who experience shock and do not respond to initial doses of crystalloid may require colloids. Blood transfusions are necessary in cases of heavy or suspected bleeding when the patient remains unstable despite adequate fluid replenishment and hematocrit decreases. Platelet transfusions may be necessary if the platelet count drops below 20,000 cells per microliter and the risk of bleeding is high. In general, it is essential to avoid the administration of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other anticoagulants.
Conclusion: The main way of transmission of the dengue fever virus is through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes infected with the virus, whose main audience is humans. Aedes flies, especially Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes scutellaris and Aedes polynesiensis, are known to transmit dengue infection. Aedes aegypti, the most important carrier, originated in Africa and moved to tropical and subtropical regions with the expansion of international trade. Aedes polynesiensis and Aedes scutellaris are typically found in the regions of the South Pacific.