Cause
Dengue viruses belong to the family of flaviviruses, similar to the pathogens of yellow fever, TBE or Japanese encephalitis. (A total of four different types of the dengue virus (DEN 1-4) can infect humans, with type DEN 2 having the highest disease value. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism of the disease has not been clarified to date.
Put simply, the viruses invade human cells and use their mechanisms to spread further in the organism. Thereupon our body releases various messenger substances, enzymes, inflammation mediators and activators, which then lead to the classic dengue fever 3-12 days after infection (incubation period). Especially in the severe manifestations, DHS and DSS, structures of the human immune system, the immunoglobulins or antibodies, seem to play an important role.
A detailed overview of all tropical diseases can be found under the article: Overview of tropical diseases A total of four different types of the dengue virus (DEN 1-4) can infect humans, with type DEN 2 having the highest disease value. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism of the disease has not been clarified to date. Put simply, the viruses invade human cells and use their mechanisms to spread further in the organism.
Thereupon our body releases various messenger substances, enzymes, inflammation mediators and activators, which then lead to the classic dengue fever 3-12 days after infection (incubation period). Especially in the severe manifestations, DHS and DSS, structures of the human immune system, the immunoglobulins or antibodies, seem to play an important role. A detailed overview of all tropical diseases can be found under the article: Overview of tropical diseases
Diagnostics
Fever after a stay in the tropics is not a rare symptom and can be found in about 20% of all sick travellers returning home. Unfortunately, almost all typical tropical diseases manifest themselves in more or less pronounced fever, so that a precise medical examination and questioning is necessary when diagnosing dengue fever. For example, detailed travel descriptions, the timing of the symptoms or similar symptoms in fellow travellers can provide valuable information.
Insect bites or contact with fresh water can often be reported. In addition to questioning the patient (anamnesis), the attending physician examines ill patients thoroughly. An enlargement of the liver and/or spleen (lat.
: hepato-splenomegaly) and the very poor general condition can, for example, be indicative. Unfortunately, most complaints, such as skin rash or lymph node swelling, also occur in other tropical diseases, so that they are often considered too unspecific. In order to make an exact diagnosis, modern laboratory medicine is indispensable nowadays. With a simple blood sample, various methods can be used to detect dengue fever (virus isolation, antigen and antibody detection, PCR).
Therapy
Currently, there is no causal therapy for dengue fever, so that purely symptomatic treatment is required. Although the symptoms of those affected can be alleviated, a cure cannot yet be achieved by medical measures. As the circulatory function of many patients is rather unstable, treatment is usually carried out in hospital.
There, intravenous access (“drip”) can be used to administer both volume and protein infusions as well as antipyretics. Strict bed rest and monitoring of the so-called “vital parameters”, namely heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure and body temperature, are also part of the therapy. In addition, medication can be used to combat pain. In this context, care should be taken not to use preparations containing acetylsalicylic acid such as aspirin, as they have “blood-thinning” properties and would further increase the risk of bleeding.
