Answer to Question #195566 in Microbiology for Kim

Question

A 44 year old male has 7 days history of fever. Dengue rapid tests were requested with the following results: 

Dengue NS1 Ag = negative 

Dengue IgM = positive 

Dengue IgG = positive

Questions:

a. Interpret this result. Explain

b. Can you conclude from the result that the patient has active dengue infection? Can you conclude from the result that the patient does not have dengue at the moment? Explain your answer.

c. What will be your advise to the patient?

Answer 1

a) A negative NS1 test result does not rule out infection.

· People with negative NS1 results should be tested for the presence of dengue IgM antibodies to determine possible recent dengue exposure

· Positive IgM and IgG tests for dengue antibodies detected in an initial blood sample mean that it is likely that the person became infected with dengue virus within recent weeks.

b) yes, this patient is having an active dengue infection. IgM AMD IgG test positive indicates the person is infected within recent week.

c) Advise to the patient

· Advise the patient to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration

· Advise taking acetaminophen if fever and body pain presents

· Instruct the patient to take rest as much as possible

· Advice the patient to drink papaya leaf juice

· Advise to monitor any sign of bleeding, and come to the hospital if any sign

· If any blood lost blood transfusion is mandatory

· Careful monitoring of blood pressure