Dengue infection is caused by?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2017

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Medium

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

Dengue is caused by an arbovirus, a term that stands for arthropod-borne virus.
This classification is based on its mode of transmission by an insect vector, specifically the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
While the dengue virus is also an RNA virus, 'arbovirus' is a more specific and descriptive classification in the context of infectious disease transmission, making it the best answer.

Option B: Aedes aegypti is the mosquito that acts as the vector (carrier) for the dengue virus; it is not the virus itself.
Option C: Paramyxoviruses are a distinct family of viruses that are structurally and genetically different from the dengue virus.
Option D: This statement is technically true, as the dengue virus contains RNA. However, it is a very broad category that includes a vast number of different viruses (e.g., influenza, HIV, Ebola). 'Arbovirus' is a more precise classification.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Etiology and Classification of Dengue Virus helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must educate patients on primary prevention strategies, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites (e.g., stagnant water in containers) and protecting against bites (e.g., using repellents, wearing long sleeves).
A critical nursing responsibility is to monitor patients for warning signs of severe dengue, which typically appear as the fever subsides. These include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, mucosal bleeding, and lethargy. Prompt recognition is key to preventing shock.
What if? If a patient with a known history of a previous dengue infection presents with fever, the nurse should maintain a higher index of suspicion for severe dengue (DHF/DSS). This is due to the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), where pre-existing antibodies can worsen the second infection.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the cause or classification of the agent responsible for dengue infection.
Analyze the options provided. Note that some options describe the vector, some describe the genetic material, and some describe the mode of transmission.
Eliminate 'Aedes aegypti virus' as Aedes aegypti is the mosquito vector, not the virus.
Eliminate 'Paramyxovirus' as this is a different family of viruses causing other diseases like measles and mumps.
Compare the remaining options: 'Arbovirus' and 'RNA virus'. Both are technically correct descriptions of the dengue virus.
Determine which option is more specific and clinically relevant. 'Arbovirus' (arthropod-borne virus) describes the unique transmission cycle, which is a defining feature of dengue. 'RNA virus' is a much broader classification. Therefore, 'Arbovirus' is the best and most precise answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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