Types of Dengue Tests: Which One is Right for You

Dengue is an illness caused by infection with any one of four related dengue virus (DENV) serotypes (DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4) transmitted by Aedes sp mosquitoes, affecting an estimated 50 million people annually in approximately 100 countries. In dengue endemic regions, people may experience multiple infections. Clinically classified into 3 categories: Non-severe Dengue with warning signs, Non-severe Dengue without warning signs, and severe Dengue. If you suspect infection, a Dengue test can provide crucial information for diagnosis and treatment. Repeat Dengue tests may be necessary in endemic areas.

Clinicians often classify Dengue into Primary and Secondary Dengue based on whether an individual is infected for the 1st time in their life (Primary) or based on previous / past infection (Secondary). Dengue Serology plays an important role in differentiating primary and secondary Dengue infections. Secondary Dengue infections tend to fall in severe Dengue category based on the type of serotype infecting the individual. Therefore, knowing the serotype plays a role in predicting the severity of the Dengue infection.

Dengue Serology (Dengue IgM, IgG and NS1) is the most common diagnostic method implied for detection/identification of Dengue infection. In general, presence of Dengue IgM and NS1 in serum within a week of onset of symptoms suggests acute infection and presence of IgG in serum sample suggests chronic infection or past infection. The ratio of IgM/IgG can help us to differentiate between primary and secondary Dengue infections.

There are molecular diagnostic methods like multiplex PCRs to detect Dengue serotypes. Few research studies have associated specific Dengue serotypes to severe Dengue. Detecting serotypes can alert us well in advance in patients susceptible to develop severe Dengue especially in secondary Dengue cases. Further, Dengue viral cell culture techniques are available at selected centres which enables us to grow complete Dengue viral particles on culture medium. These techniques focus primarily on research and vaccine development fields.

Thus, with all this information, selecting Dengue test totally depends on the patient profile, symptom onset, type of Dengue infection and ultimately the immediate availability of the test in emergency cases.

Also read, Dengue Sign and Symptoms