Answer to Question #195558 in Microbiology for alisa

Question

A 17 year old female has 4 days history of fever. Dengue NS1 Ag was requested and revealed:

Dengue NS1 Ag = positive

Questions:

a. 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.

b. What will be your advise to the patient?

Answer 1

a.  The test shows that the non-structural protein NS1 of dengue virus is present in the patient's blood. This protein is secreted into the blood during dengue infection. As a result, positive NS1 Ag indicates that the patient has active dengue infection.

b. Since there is no specific treatment for dengue infection, the patient should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and see his doctor. Also, the patient should use pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoid aspirin, which could worsen bleeding.