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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
04:23
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Visual disturbances in dengue fever: an answer at last?
P E J Chang1, C L Cheng, K Asok
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608. jason.jan@pacific.net.sg
Singapore Medical Journal
|March 8, 2007
Summary
Dengue infection can cause rare but severe eye problems like retinal vasculitis. Patients with partial C4 deficiency and females are more susceptible to these dengue-related visual complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dengue infection is typically associated with systemic symptoms, with ocular complications being infrequent.
- Ocular manifestations of dengue can lead to permanent visual impairment if not managed promptly.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old female patient with dengue infection presented with retinal hemorrhage, retinal vasculitis, and macular detachment.
- Autoimmune screening revealed a low C4 complement level, suggesting partial C4 deficiency.
Findings:
- The patient's vision significantly improved after treatment with steroids.
- Partial C4 deficiency is linked to autoimmune diseases and may increase susceptibility to dengue-related ocular issues.
Implications:
- Dengue infection may act as an antigenic trigger for immune complex deposition and retinal vasculitis in individuals predisposed to autoimmune disease (e.g., females, those with partial C4 deficiency).
- Steroid therapy appears crucial for managing dengue-induced retinal vasculitis and improving visual outcomes in susceptible populations.
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