Dengue is caused by?

Appeared in: MNS 2015

Explanation

Dengue is an acute febrile illness caused by the Dengue virus (DENV).
The Dengue virus is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae.
It is classified as an arbovirus because it is transmitted by arthropod vectors, specifically mosquitoes of the Aedes genus.
There are four distinct serotypes of the virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.

Option B: Bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms. Dengue is a viral disease. Bacterial infections require antibiotics, which are ineffective against viruses.
Option C: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that cause mycoses (fungal infections). Dengue is not caused by a fungus.
Option D: Protozoa are single-celled parasitic eukaryotes. While they cause other vector-borne diseases like malaria, they do not cause dengue.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of Dengue fever as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Knowing that dengue is a virus is critical for management, as treatment is supportive (rest, fluids, fever control) and antibiotics are ineffective.
Public health interventions focus on vector control (eliminating mosquito breeding sites) rather than treating a bacterial or fungal source.
Patient education on preventing mosquito bites is a key nursing role in endemic areas.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of common infectious diseases.
First, identify the disease mentioned in the stem: 'Dengue'.
Next, recall the classification of the causative agent for Dengue.
Evaluate the options provided: Virus, Bacteria, Fungus, and Protozoa.
Select the correct category. Dengue is a well-known viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 241-243

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1761-1763

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart A (pp 1-275 of 550) p. 93-95

Practise the full MNS 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.