Dengue Virus

Dr. Maryam Nazir Kiani

BDS, M.Phil. (Oral Pathology)
 Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, second year BDS students will be able to:

• Describe the transmission, pathogenesis and clinical features and management of

Dengue virus
Prevalence
 Important Properties

• Arbovirus
• Flaviviruses
• Enveloped, icosahedral
• SS RNA of positive polarity
• Most common insect borne viral disease
 Transmission
• Aedes aegypti mosquito
• Bites during day, sucks blood of patient infected
with virus, infects the next person by bite

• Noticeable black and white markings on

their bodies and legs
• Peak biting periods are early in the
morning and in the evening before dusk

• Reservoir: human, monkey

 Classic Dengue Fever
• Flu like symptoms
• Myalgia/Arthralgia
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Rash
• Leukopenia

• After a week, regress

• Tropical areas
 Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

• Initial picture same as classical dengue

• GIT and skin hemorrhages and shock
• Southern Asia
• 10% fatality rate.
 Hemorrhagic Shock Syndrome
• Recovery from one serotype infection > Second dengue infection with other
serotype > anamnestic response > production of large amount of cross reacting
antibodies to first type

1. Immune complexes activate complement > increased permeability,

thrombocytopenia
2. Antibodies increase the entry of virus into monocytes and macrophages >
release of large amount of cytokines

• Shock and hemorrhage

Diagnosis
• Cell culture
• Serology
• PCR

Treatment
• No anti viral therapy
• Supportive
• Adequate bed rest
• Adequate fluid intake

Prevention
• No Vaccine
• Prevent breeding of mosquitoes
• Personal protection