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Dengue: an update
María G Guzmán1, Gustavo Kourí
1Virology Department, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Center for Viral Diseases, Pedro Kouri Tropical Medicine Institute, Autopista Novia del Mediodia, Km 6, PO Box Marianao 13, Ciudad Habana, Cuba. lupe@ipk.sld.cu
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|March 15, 2002
Summary
This review updates knowledge on dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), covering viral characteristics, risk factors, and disease pathogenesis. Vector control remains the primary strategy for managing dengue outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) pose significant global health challenges.
- International and Cuban experiences provide valuable insights into disease epidemiology and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of dengue and DHF.
- To elucidate viral characteristics, risk factors, clinical presentation, and pathogenesis.
- To discuss diagnostic methods and vaccine development status.
Main Methods:
- Review of international and Cuban literature on dengue and DHF.
- Comparison of incidence and case fatality rates in endemic regions.
- Analysis of diagnostic techniques including viral isolation, serological, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods.
Main Results:
- Dengue and DHF exhibit diverse clinical presentations and pathogenesis.
- Viral, individual, and environmental factors contribute to severe disease.
- Effective vector control, primarily targeting Aedes aegypti, is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of severe dengue.
- Current diagnostic tools aid in disease identification.
- Vaccine development is ongoing, but vector control remains the most effective intervention.