microbio 2125 unit 6 part 18 - Hemorrhagic Fevers – Dengue Fever

Etiological Agent:

Dengue virus (a Flavivirus)
An arbovirus caused by Flavivirus

Distinguishing characteristics of etiological agent:

Non-segmented ssRNA virus with loose envelope; arbovirus (arthropod-borne)

Virulence Factor(s):

Ability to cause vascular permeability and hemorrhagic symptoms in severe cases

Predisposing Factors:

Living or traveling in tropical areas (excluding Africa); increased risk due to climate change enhancing mosquito populations

Transmission:

Spread by Aedes mosquitoes

Syndrome (signs + symptoms):

• Mild form: muscle and joint pain, rash, flu-like symptoms, vomiting, diarrhea

• Severe form: Dengue hemorrhagic shock syndrome with extreme pain and hemorrhaging; can be fatal

Affected body region/system:

Circulatory and muscular systems

Treatment:

Supportive care only

Prevention:

No vaccine; mosquito abatement; genetic engineering of infection-resistant mosquitoes is underway

Other notes:

“Breakbone fever” nickname refers to extreme muscle and joint pain
can be fatal