Use of Dengue Antigen Test for Dengue Diagnosis

Oct. 4, 2010 - PRLog -- Dengue is a one of the most chronic, dangerous and deadly diseases that is caused by a virus of the genus flavivirus.. It occurs in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Symptoms appear 3—14 days after the infective bite. Dengue fever is a febrile illness that affects infants, young children and adults.

What are basic  symptoms  of dengue?

Here are the common symptoms to guide and determine if a person has dengue:
•   There would be a high continuous fever lasting for 2-7 days
•   The patient will experience nausea and vomiting
•   There would be abdominal pain
•   The patient will feel body weakness
•   There would be tendencies of bleeding from nose and gums
•   There would be presence of persistent red spots on the face, extremities and trunks

What is the treatment  avaliable for dengue?

At the moment there is no vaccine that has been discovered against dengue. Take caution not to give aspirin for fever on dengue patient. Just give sufficient amount of fluids like water to re-hydrate a dengue suspect. If the fever or other symptoms will still persist for 2 days or more, immediately bring the patient to the nearest hospital.

Preventive measures on dengue
The most effective way is to destroy and/or eliminate the breeding places of mosquitoes such as open containers, bottles, drums, used tires, clean clogged gutters, turn flower vases, upside down every 7 days. Remember the carrier lives in clean water.

Presently,the test which are available to detect the dengue disease, are based on the detection of specific antibodies of dengue virus. The limitation is that these antibodies are produced several days after,the first clinical signs/symptoms appear.

Why is it necessary to use NS1 Antigen test?
•   Early diagnosis of dengue infection is very necessary,especially in the severe cases of the either dengue hemorrhagic fever(DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome(DS),which are the major causes of death.
•   Early detection has impact on patient treatment
•   The early diagnosis also prevents further uncessary investigations and treatment.
•   It helps in proper mananagement and prevention if any sequelae complications

Therefore it is necessary to use NS1 Antigen test to diagnose the Dengue Virus. Please visit your family doctor if you think you have symptoms.

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