Dengue Fever in a Neonate: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Dengue fever is a prevalent viral infection in endemic regions, typically affecting the general population.
• Neonates are often presumed to be protected from severe viral infections due to maternal antibodies during the first six months of life.
• This presumption leads to underreporting of dengue in newborns.

Observation:

• A case report details a 23-day-old male infant presenting with fever and thrombocytopenia.
• Physical examination revealed characteristic pinpoint macular rashes on the lower limbs.
• The infant's mother was asymptomatic and had no signs of dengue infection.

Findings:

• Diagnostic tests confirmed dengue infection in the infant, with positive NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies.
• The infant's mother tested negative for dengue virus infection markers (NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG antibodies).
• Platelet counts were normal in the mother but showed thrombocytopenia in the infant.

Implications:

• This case suggests the possibility of postnatal transmission of dengue virus from mother to infant.
• It challenges the long-held belief regarding neonatal protection against dengue via maternal antibodies.
• Further research is warranted to understand transmission dynamics and clinical management of dengue in neonates.