Which virus is the cause of Dengue Fever?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

Dengue fever is caused by the Dengue virus (DENV), which is a member of the family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus.
This is the most specific and accurate taxonomic classification among the given options.
Flaviviruses are enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses.
Other notable members of the Flavivirus genus include the viruses that cause Yellow Fever, West Nile Fever, and Zika.

Option A: This is a broad ecological term for any virus transmitted by arthropods (Arthropod-Borne virus). While Dengue is an arbovirus, it is not its specific taxonomic classification.
Option C: Retroviruses are a specific class of RNA viruses that use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to insert a DNA copy of their genome into the host cell. The Dengue virus does not have or use this enzyme.
Option D: The genetic material of the Dengue virus is Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), not Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Viral classification of Dengue Fever as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding that Dengue is a Flavivirus helps in recognizing its relation to other mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and Yellow Fever, which can have overlapping symptoms and geographical distributions.
Nursing care for dengue focuses on supportive measures, vigilant monitoring for warning signs of severe disease (e.g., falling platelet count, rising hematocrit), and patient education on hydration and avoiding NSAIDs to prevent bleeding complications.
Public health interventions, a key nursing role, are centered on vector control (eliminating mosquito breeding sites) as there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for the specific type of virus that causes Dengue Fever.
Analyze the options provided. You may recognize that both 'Arbovirus' and 'Flavivirus' are associated with Dengue.
Differentiate between the terms. 'Arbovirus' is a functional group based on transmission (arthropod-borne). 'Flavivirus' is a specific taxonomic genus.
In biological classification questions, always choose the most specific and precise correct answer.
Eliminate the clearly incorrect options. 'Retrovirus' (like HIV) and 'D.N.A Virus' are fundamentally different from the Dengue virus, which is an RNA virus.
Conclude that 'Flavivirus' is the most accurate classification, even though 'Arbovirus' is also technically true in a broader sense.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 1 p. 104-106

Practise the full MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

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