Diagnostic Techniques for Dengue Virus.

Area of Science:

• Medical Entomology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a significant global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas.
• Clinical diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other febrile illnesses, including Zika and chikungunya.
• Accurate laboratory diagnostics are vital for timely clinical management and preventing severe dengue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of existing and emerging dengue diagnostic techniques.
• To detail the principles, applications, and limitations of various diagnostic methodologies.
• To explore novel approaches for improving dengue diagnostic accuracy and addressing current challenges.

Main Methods:

• Virus isolation
• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs)
• Nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antigen detection
• Immunohistochemistry
• Serological tests (IgM/IgG antibodies)
• Lateral flow point-of-care tests
• Multiplex platforms
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS)
• Biosensor-based tests

Main Results:

• A wide array of diagnostic methods are available, ranging from traditional techniques to advanced molecular and biosensor approaches.
• Challenges include flavivirus cross-reactivity in serological assays and the impact of dengue vaccination on diagnostic interpretation.
• Diagnostic strategy selection depends on infection stage, available resources, and local expertise.

Conclusions:

• Tailoring diagnostic approaches to local capabilities is essential for effective dengue diagnosis and management.
• Careful interpretation of serological results is necessary, especially in co-circulating flavivirus regions and post-vaccination.
• Advancements in diagnostics, including novel platforms, offer potential to enhance accuracy and overcome existing limitations.