Dengue: an overview

ABSTRACT

Dengue is one of the highest occurring vector-borne diseases. It is caused by dengue viruses 1- 4. Currently, the disease is classified into dengue with or without warning signs and severe dengue based on WHO 2009 dengue classification. As of today, neither specific drugs nor commercial vaccine exist for dengue. The best treatment yet would be support, management and proper medical care. With no pathognomonic features that could differentiate it from other febrile illnesses, clinical diagnosis alone is insufficient. Yet, despite the current advances and existence of various laboratory diagnostic methods of dengue, a consensus singular method has not been established. There are several hypotheses or theories regarding the vaguely understood immunopathogenesis of dengue. Amongst these are the viral factors, host-immune factors and host-genetic factors. In addition to these, the occurrence of asymptomatic dengue has further complicated the disease. However, these individuals provide opportunities in the search for protective factors against dengue.