Keywords
Dengue - Arboviruses - Brain - Nervous System - Neurologic Manifestations
Palavras-chave
Dengue - Arbovírus - Encéfalo - Sistema Nervoso - Manifestações Neurológicas
INTRODUCTION
Neurologists are occasionally faced with epidemic infectious diseases that can cause
neurological symptoms, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), zika virus
infection, and chikungunya fever.[1]
[2] Previous outbreaks have resulted in a high rate of neurological sequelae, and dengue
fever (DF) is the latest cause for concern.[3]
The present review aims to provide a critical and narrative assessment of DF and its
neurological complications. To achieve this, research was conducted on the PubMed/MEDLINE,
Web of Science, and Scopus databases using free-text words and terms related to the
following medical subject headings (MeSH) terms: dengue virus, brain, encephalopathy, encephalitis, dengue hemorrhagic fever, neurological manifestations, nervous system diseases, central nervous system diseases, encephalitis, meningitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, myelitis, myositis, and myopathy. We selected and reviewed original studies published in English online until March
1st, 2024. The final reference list was created based on each paper's relevance to
the scope of the present review.
After malaria, DF is the second most significant disease spread by mosquitoes. It
can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from minor fever, headache, and muscular
aches to severe hemorrhagic fever that can be fatal.[4] The dengue virus (DENV) has four distinct serotypes: DENV1 through DENV4. Of these,
the “Asian” DENV2 and DENV3 genotypes are usually linked to severe illness that coexists
with subsequent dengue infections.[5]
[6]
Recently, the World Health Organization[4] (WHO) reviewed the clinical recommendations for DF, and central nervous system (CNS)
involvement is now included in the classification of severe DF. In areas where DF
is prevalent, a diagnosis of severe DF should be considered if the patient presents
with fever for 2 to 7 days in addition to any accompanying symptoms, as seen in [Table 1].
Table 1
Clinical characteristics of severe dengue fever
|
Accompanying symptoms
|
Comments
|
|
Evidence of plasma leakage
|
High- or progressively-rising hematocrit, pleural effusions or ascites, circulatory
compromise, or shock
|
|
Significant bleeding
|
With or without externalization
|
|
Altered level of consciousness
|
Lethargy or restlessness, coma, convulsions
|
|
Severe gastrointestinal involvement
|
Persistent vomiting, increasing or intense abdominal pain, jaundice
|
|
Severe organ impairment
|
Acute liver failure, acute renal failure, encephalopathy or encephalitis, or other
unusual manifestations, cardiomyopathy
|
An increasing number of DF cases have been observed in many places of the world. [Figure 1] shows a broad perspective of the regions in the world with a higher occurrence of
DF. To obtain regularly-updated data, visit the WHO website (https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news). The WHO estimates that 4 billion people are at risk for Aedes-borne infections.[7] In all 6 WHO regions, more than 5 million cases of DF and more than 5 thousand deaths
have been linked to the disease since the beginning of 2023. Deforestation, armed
conflicts that disrupt local health systems and delay access to healthcare, and climate
changes—which cause high temperatures and precipitation—contribute to the unprecedented
global spread of DF and its associated deaths.
Figure 1 World distribution of dengue fever cases (WHO, 2009).4
It is important to note that DF transmission follows a cyclical pattern, resulting
in significant outbreaks every 3 to 4 years. Understanding this pattern is critical
to implement effective prevention and control strategies to protect public health.
Nowadays, DF incidence is on the rise in Brazil. In 2023, there were 788.8 cases per
100 thousand inhabitants, a 15.8% increase from the previous year. In total, 1,601,848
probable cases were reported, with 1,053 deaths. Additionally, there was a 17.8% increase
in severe DF cases during the same period.[8]
Dengue fever is a systemic disease with a broad clinical spectrum, including severe
and non-severe clinical manifestations.[9] Following an incubation period ranging from 3 to 15 days, the illness presents itself
abruptly and is characterized by 3 distinct stages: febrile, critical, and recovery.
The acute febrile stage usually lasts 2 to 7 days and is often accompanied by facial
flushing, skin erythema, body aches, myalgia, arthralgia, and headaches.[9] During the early febrile phase, distinguishing DF from other febrile disorders can
be challenging. Furthermore, these clinical signs do not enable the differentiation
between severe and non-severe DF cases. As a result, monitoring for warning signs
and other clinical features is vital to identify progression to the critical stage.
After 3 to 7 days of illness, there may be an increase in capillary permeability and
a rise in hematocrit levels.[10] This is the start of the critical stage, which typically lasts between 24 to 48 hours
and involves significant plasma leakage. Progressive leukopenia is typically followed
by a rapid decrease in platelet count, which can lead to plasma leakage. Shock occurs
when a critical volume of plasma is lost through leakage,[11] and the body temperature may drop below normal. If the shock persists, the ensuing
organ hypoperfusion causes progressive organ damage, metabolic acidosis, and disseminated
intravascular coagulation. In the 48 to 72 hours that follow, extravascular compartment
fluid is gradually reabsorbed if the patient makes it through the critical 24-to-48-hour
stage. [Table 2] summarizes the major clinical problems that arise during the different stages of
DF.
Table 2
Clinical stages in dengue fever
|
Febrile stage
|
Dehydration; high fever may cause neurological disturbances and febrile seizures in
young children
|
|
Critical stage
|
Shock from plasma leakage; severe hemorrhage; organ impairment
|
|
Recovery stage
|
Hypervolemia (only if intravenous fluid therapy has been excessive and/or has extended
into this period)
|
PATHOGENESIS
As previously stated, there are four DENV serotypes (DENV1 through DENV4), and all
can cause DF and neurological complications.[3] During epidemics, it is possible for more than one serotype to be circulating, and
immunity is specific to each serotype. It is imperative to note that individuals who
have previously been infected by the DENV are at a higher risk of contracting the
disease again if exposed to a new serotype. This is due to the phenomenon of antibody-dependent
enhancement (ADE) and should not be overlooked. it occurs when non-neutralizing antibodies
bind to the DENV, increasing the ability to invade mononuclear phagocytes, resulting
in more rapid viral replication and, potentially, more severe clinical symptoms,[3]
[12] including neurological disease.
Neuropathogenesis demonstrates how systemic infection-related metabolic abnormalities,
autoimmune symptoms, and direct viral infection interact. There is strong evidence
that the DENV affects the nervous system, even though it is not considered a neurotropic
virus.[13] Viral invasion of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been shown in experimental models,[14] and the virus has been detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).[15] It is believed that non-structural 1 (NS1) antigen, a secreted viral protein cofactor
for RNA replication, triggers cytokine release, resulting in BBB damage and endothelial
dysfunction.[3] Other probable factors include tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leukotrienes,
and platelet-activating factor (PAF).[12]
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS
Acute meningitis
Headache is a common symptom of DF. However, patients may experience a full meningeal
syndrome, with fever, headache, vomiting, and nuchal rigidity.[16] The DENV has accounted for 10% of the cases of acute viral meningitis in an endemic
area[17], and Sahu et al.[18] found 7 cases of meningitis out of 484 patients with DF. Meningeal contrast enhancement
may be observed in imaging studies.[3]
Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy is the most frequent CNS complication in DF patients.[3]
[19] It is defined by a decreased level of consciousness associated or not with seizures
and behavioral disturbances.[16] Among 2,441 patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in Thailand, it was present
in 6%. In Vietnam, a study[3] found a 0.5% incidence among 5,400 patients with serologically-confirmed DHF.[20] It was formerly believed to be exclusively linked to DHF.[16] Encephalopathy could result from various mechanisms, including cerebral anoxia,
hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, liver and renal failure, and the release of toxic
substances.[3]
[16]
[21] Patients with encephalopathy may present normal CSF parameters, while brain magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scans could reveal diffuse cerebral edema. Common electroencephalogram
(EEG) patterns include diffuse slowing, burst suppression, and focal discharges.[3]
[22] The outcome is variable and depends on the precipitating factors and the quality
of the supportive care.[3]
Encephalitis
Dengue is a frequent etiology of encephalitis in regions where the disease is endemic,[17] and it has been described in all age groups. It is the consequence of the DENV invasion
and its neurotropic effects.[21] According to Soares et al.,[17] the incidence of encephalitis was of 47% among DF cases identified in Brazil, and
only 50% of them presented systemic DF symptoms. Sahu et al.[18] confirmed that out of 486 people with DENV infection, 33 (6.7%) were diagnosed with
encephalitis. The same study found that liver dysfunction, low platelet count, higher
hematocrit, and high mean body temperature predicted CNS involvement. When altered
consciousness, seizures, focal neurological symptoms, headaches, and behavioral changes
are present, together with positive DENV polymerase chain reaction (PCR), NS1 antigen,
or immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody tests in the CSF, and other possible causes of
encephalopathy or encephalitis have been ruled out, a diagnosis can be established.[3]
[12]
[21]
[23] The CSF may show pleocytosis, but normal parameters do not exclude the diagnosis.[17] A normal brain MRI scan does not exclude the diagnosis of DF encephalitis.
Several reports of parkinsonism have been associated with or following DENV infection.
Typical signs of parkinsonism (rigidity, bradykinesia, tremor, abnormal gait, postural
abnormalities) can occur in pediatric or adult patients and are more common in men.[24] Self-limiting cerebellitis has been rarely described.[24]
A variety of patients present imaging abnormalities, and no single finding can be
deemed definitive in establishing the diagnosis. Areas of the globus pallidum, thalami,
cerebellum, temporal lobes, hippocampus, and brainstem may exhibit increased signal
intensity on MRI scans. Microhemorrhages may be evident on susceptibility-weighted
imaging (SWI), and diffusion-weighted imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient (DWI/ADC)
sequences may occasionally exhibit restricted diffusion.[3] The “double-doughnut” sign has been documented by multiple authors[25]
[26]
[27] in DF encephalitis; it is characterized by a symmetrical T2-weighted/fluid-attenuated
inversion recovery (FLAIR) high signal intensity area in both thalami, restricted
diffusion on DWI/ADC, and blooming in the middle region of the gradient echo sequence
as a result of hemorrhagic residues. Reversible splenial lesions have also been described.[28] Most patients have a favorable prognosis,[16] although deaths have been described.[18]
Stroke
Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes can occur during and after DF. Out of 1,148
patients admitted to the hospital in India with DF, 0.26% had a stroke,[29] while the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke was of 0.06% in the Brazilian population
according to a study.[3] A recent study conducted in Taiwan,[30] which involved 13,787 patients, found that the incidence of stroke was higher in
the DF cohort (5.33 per one thousand person-years) than in the control group (3.72
per one thousand person-years). The hazard ratio was of 1.16, and the researchers[30] observed the highest risk of stroke within the first two months after the infection.
Another recent study found an increased risk in the early postinfection period and
patients > 65 years of age.[31]
Hemorrhagic encephalic lesions typically develop a week after the onset of fever,[32] and they may occur in patients who do not experience bleeding at other sites[21] or thrombocytopenia.[3] Bleeding may be caused by endothelial damage leading to increased vascular permeability
and plasma leakage[16] or platelet dysfunction and coagulopathy.[3] The most common presentations include hemorrhages in the basal ganglia or lobes,
bleeding in the pontine and cerebellar regions, subdural hematoma, non-aneurysmal
subarachnoid hemorrhage, and pituitary apoplexy.[3]
[21]
Ischemic lesions are rare, and watershed infarcts are secondary to systemic hypotension.
Small cortical, putaminal, and corona radiata lesions have been described.[30]
[33]
[34]
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is typically associated with eclampsia,
renal failure, and the use of drugs such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine. Still, there
have been rare instances of its association with DF.[35]
[36]
[37]
[38] The classic findings include cortical visual loss, seizures, confusion, and decreased
consciousness.[3] Vascular damage during acute infection is implicated in the pathogenesis.[36] The typical MRI findings are bilateral and symmetric periventricular and subcortical
T2-weighted and FLAIR high signal changes that resolve over weeks.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an autoimmune process that occurs concomitantly
or following an acute infection or vaccination. Kamel et al.[39] estimated a 0.4% prevalence of ADEM in DF cases; neurological symptoms, including
altered consciousness (58%), seizures (35%), visual complaints (31%), dysarthria (23%),
walking disturbances (15%), and ataxia (12%), started between 3-19 days after the
onset of DF symptoms, and elevated protein levels were the most common finding in
the CSF. Additionally, multiple abnormalities were observed in the deep brain white
matter, thalami, brainstem, cerebellum, and spinal cord on both FLAIR and T2-weighted
images;[40] in most cases, there was either partial or complete recovery.[39]
Transverse myelitis
Spinal cord lesions following DF are rare.[41] However, a recent study[42] reported transverse myelitis (TM) in 2.3% out of 2,672 cases, while Sahu et al.[18] described myelitis in 7 out of 486 patients (1.4%). The mean time from the onset
of DF to TM was of 11.7 days, and this complication was more frequent in men.[42] Spinal cord signal changes and contrast enhancement, including longitudinally-extensive
lesions, can be observed.[43]
[44] Cases with a positive Aquaporin-4 antibody have been reported.[45]
[46] Half of patients make a full recovery, although the prognosis can vary.[42]
NEUROMUSCULAR INVOLVEMENT
NEUROMUSCULAR INVOLVEMENT
The acute phase of DF often includes severe myalgias and arthralgias (“breakbone fever”).
These symptoms are part of DF's clinical picture and do not always indicate a neurological
complication.[1]
Acute inflammatory polyneuropathies (AIPs) and other peripheral nervous system complications
Many acute inflammatory polyneuropathy (AIP) variations have been reported,[12]
[18]
[47]
[48]
[49]
[50]
[51]
[52]
[53]
[54]
[55]
[56]
[57]
[58]
[59] most commonly after DF; however, there are also sporadic instances of AIP manifesting
during the acute febrile stage of DF. The AIPs can be divided into two subtypes: demyelinating
and axonal, with varying appearances. The most common demyelinating types are Guillain-Barré
syndrome (GBS) and Miller-Fisher syndrome, which causes ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and
areflexia. Guillain-Barré syndrome is the most prevalent cause of acute flaccid paralysis,
with symptoms including abrupt, progressive, bilateral flaccid weakness and sensory
abnormalities. It is frequently associated with albumin-cytologic dissociation in
the CSF examination. The main axonal variants of AIP include acute motor axonal neuropathy
(AMAN), which may be clinically indistinguishable from acute flaccid myelitis (AFM),
as both typically present with flaccid weakness, areflexia and preserved sensation,
and acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), which has a presentation similar
to that of GBS.[1] There is a reported period of 5 to 15 days between the onset of DENV infection and
GBS.[60] A total of 20% out of 97 patients with GBS in an extensive series of DENV-associated
GBS had recent DENV infection, as indicated by the positive serum DENV IgM test. Diarrhea,
facial palsies, and a more severe illness with a lower Medical Research Council (MRC)
sum score, a higher score on the GBS disability scale at nadir, and a need for ventilation
were more common in these patients.[48] Extensive demyelination was the most common electrodiagnostic feature in these GBS
patients,[48] although Fragoso et al.[60] found AMSAN in all ten patients in their study. Due to the molecular similarities
between the DENV polyprotein and GBS-related human proteins, DENV-associated GBS most
likely operates by a mechanism similar to that of GBS due to other causes.[61]
When GBS is linked to DENV infection, CSF analysis usually shows an increased protein
level with a normal cell count (albuminocytologic dissociation). Regardless of its
correlation with DENV infection, this finding is consistent with the classic presentation
of GBS. Accordingly, particular CSF results in GBS linked to DENV infection might
not be substantially different from those in GBS due to other causes.[41] The treatment of GBS associated with DF is the same as the one for GBS due to other
causes, with no difference in prognosis.[19]
Cranial neuropathies are rare manifestations of acute DF, and the most affected cranial
nerves are the 7th, 2nd, 6th, and 3rd.[62]
[63]
[64]
[65]
[66]
[67] In some studies,[18]
[41]
[68] brachial neuritis (neuralgic amyotrophy), resulting from a presumably immune-mediated
mechanism, has also been reported with DF. Finally, rare cases of mononeuritis multiplex
and mononeuropathy,[63] radiculitis,[69] and isolated and self-limiting phrenic neuropathy with diaphragmatic palsy have
also been reported.[70]
Myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and hypokalemic paralysis
While myalgia is a common symptom of DF, true myositis and muscle weakness are relatively
rare.[1] In most cases, the benign and self-limiting nature of the disorder has led to the
proposal of the term “dengue-associated transient muscle dysfunction”.[20] However, several case series and case reports[1]
[71]
[72]
[73]
[74]
[75]
[76]
[77]
[78]
[79]
[80]
[81]
[82] describe a true DF-related inflammatory myopathy.
The diagnosis of DF myositis diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations of DENV
infection, positive serum IgM for the DENV, high creatine phosphokinase levels, normal
CSF, and exclusion of other causes.[77] The symptoms are broad, ranging from moderate asymmetrical weakness in the lower
limbs to abrupt, severe trunk and limb weakness, and even respiratory failure. Dengue
myositis is considered a relatively benign and self-limiting disease in pediatric
reports;[16] however, in adult patients, it is often more severe, even leading to severe rhabdomyolysis.[83] Severe myalgia, early respiratory muscle involvement, and very high creatine phosphokinase
(CPK) levels suggest a form of DF myositis with a poor prognosis.[77] Electromyography (EMG) usually shows normal motor unit potentials of reduced duration
and amplitude and polyphasy. Fibrillations, sharp waves, and complex repetitive discharges
do not occur.[16]
[76]
The physiopathology of DF myositis is still unknown. The two suggested mechanisms
are DENV direct invasion of muscles or an immune-related muscle fiber destruction
mediated by the TNF.[74] Pathologically, DF myositis is characterized by perivascular infiltration of mononuclear
cells, mitochondrial proliferation, fat accumulation, nuclear centralization, fiber-type
grouping, and/or myonecrosis foci on muscle biopsy.[74]
[76]
Dengue-related rhabdomyolysis[84]
[85] occurs when the DENV triggers the release of cytokines, specifically TNF and interferon
alpha, which destroy muscle cells. The increased levels of cytokines raise the amount
of free calcium in the cells, which can damage muscle cells by activating proteases.
This process also creates mitochondria dysfunction and generates too many reactive
oxygen species, ultimately leading to the death of muscle cells. Additionally, rhabdomyolysis
can cause severe electrolyte abnormalities and acute kidney injury (AKI).[12]
[76]
Hypokalemic paralysis has been reported in various case studies and series associated
with DF.[1]
[3]
[12]
[16]
[18]
[41]
[86]
[87]
[88] The patients report abrupt onset of limb paralysis without involvement of the cranial
nerves, bladder, or bowel functions. The onset of weakness often occurs between the
second and fifth days of fever, lasting 4 to 24 hours. Muscle stretch reflexes are
usually absent or decreased[58] in most patients. A blood potassium level of 3 mmol/liter or lower is frequently
used to indicate hypokalemia-induced paralysis. The pathogenesis of hypokalemia in
DF is not clear. Several mechanisms have been proposed:
-
Excess intravenous fluid, especially lactate-containing solutions, may cause metabolic
alkalosis, which lowers serum potassium by shifting potassium intracellularly
-
Systemic infection redistributes potassium within the cells and extracellular fluid
-
Temporary renal tubular abnormalities enhance potassium excretion; and
-
Catecholamine release from stress causes cellular potassium absorption and hypokalemia.
Dengue-associated hypokalemic paralysis can also be caused by a virus-induced channelopathy.[3] Patients with DENV-associated hypokalemic paralysis recover quickly with minimal
potassium supplementation, without impairments.[3]
DIAGNOSIS
Dengue has a broad differential diagnosis. Other viral infections (such as measles,
rubella, enterovirus, adenovirus, influenza, and other arboviruses), bacterial infections
(such as leptospirosis, Rickettsia and typhoid fever), and parasite infections (such
as malaria) that may exist in DF endemic areas share similar features.[89]
[90] Consequently, DF can be challenging to diagnose clinically based on factors such
as the patient's infection stage and geographic location. Early laboratory detection
of DENV might be lifesaving, since certain patients can rapidly progress from mild
disease to severe conditions and even death.[89]
Serological and molecular tests are used in the laboratory diagnosis of DF;[91] the molecular test is based on detecting and amplifying the viral genome. The techniques
for virus isolation and culture, which are very labor-intensive and not easily accessible,
are rarely employed in the clinical practice. Whether the patient is in the acute
or convalescent stages of the disease will determine which tests are appropriate.[90] An algorithm for DF diagnosis is shown in [Figure 2].
Notes: 1Dengue fever; 2NS1 antigen has a sensibility of 34 to 76% with 100% of specificity; 3viral isolation is rarely used in the clinical practice; 4seroconversion: a negative immunoglobulin M (IgM) sample that becomes positive in
the second sample or an immunoglobulin G (IgG) sample that quadruples its value titers
in the second sample with respect to the value of the first sample.
Figure 2 Proposed algorithm for the laboratory diagnosis of dengue fever.
Acute stage
The first seven days following the onset of symptoms is known as the acute stage of
DF. The DENV is commonly found in blood or blood-derived substances such as serum
or plasma during this time. Molecular techniques can be used to detect DENV RNA. Commercial
assays can also identify the DENV protein known as non-structural protein NS1. A molecular
or NS1 test result that is negative is not definitive. Any serum sample from individuals
exhibiting symptoms within the first seven days of their illness should be examined
using an IgM antibody, real-time PCR (RT-PCR), or the NS1 test. During this time,
both molecular and IgM antibody (or NS1 and IgM antibody) testing can identify more
cases than performing a single test, and most of the time, a single sample can be
used for diagnosis.
Convalescent stage
The seven-day interval that follows the onset of symptoms is referred to as the convalescent
stage of DF. Patients with negative IgM antibody and nucleic acid amplification test
(NAAT) or negative NS1 test results within the first week of the illness should have
a convalescent sample analyzed for IgM antibodies. These antibodies are typically
present during the convalescent stage and can be reliably identified using an IgM
antibody test. Dengue IgM antibodies may remain detectable for at least three months
following infection. Patients are classified as having a presumptive, recent DENV
infection if an IgM antibody test detects IgM antibodies against DENV in their serum
specimen and if the acute-stage specimen does not contain a negative NAAT or NS1 result,
or there is no acute-stage specimen available.
In summary, to diagnose DF in the acute stage, the preferred tests are IgM antibodies,
RT-PCR, or NS1 antigen. The IgM antibodies appear from the fifth to the eighth days,
RT-PCR is positive until the seventh day, and NS1 antigen is positive until the seventh
day. During convalescence, IgM antibodies can still be present up to 90 days after
the illness. A positive IgG antibody test alone cannot confirm a recent infection,
as it may indicate a previous infection.[91]
One of the limitations of DF serologic assays is cross-reactivity. The DENVs can cross-react
with other flaviviruses, including the zika, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, and
St. Louis encephalitis viruses,[91] and patients who reside in or have been to places where other flaviviruses co-circulate
need to consider this constraint. Therefore, when testing for IgM antibodies against
the DENV, a patient with other recent or past flavivirus infection(s) may test positive.
To more precisely determine the cause of the disease in IgM-positive patients, the
IgM-positive specimens can be tested for specific neutralizing antibodies through
the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT; against the four DENV serotypes and
other flaviviruses); however, the PRNT does not always conclusively distinguish specific
flaviviruses.[91] Clinicians may discuss with state or local public health laboratories about the
appropriate tests that are available to distinguish the DENV from other flaviviruses
for individuals who live in or are visiting an area where the DENV, zika, and other
flaviviruses are endemic or concurrently circulating. Considering the unique characteristics
of the Brazilian population, the Brazilian Ministry of Health provides a handbook
with instructions for the diagnosis and treatment of DF, which is accessible and can
be downloaded on its website.[8]
A current DF diagnosis is confirmed if a NAAT or NS1 test is positive for DENV infection.
If the NAAT result is negative and the IgM antibody test is positive, the laboratory
diagnosis is presumptive DENV infection.[91]
Although virus isolation, RT-PCR, hemagglutination inhibition, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) for the detection of the DF non-structural antigen-1 (NS1) or DF-specific
immunoglobulin (IgM/IgG) can confirm the diagnosis, they are resource-intensive and
not suitable for many low-resource settings. The growing demand for point-of-care
diagnostics gave rise to many rapid DF diagnostic tests that flooded the market in
the past two decades and have been extensively studied in more recent years.[92]
Like the serum, the CSF can be subjected to viral culture, and viral nucleic acid
or DENV antigen assay can be performed early, in 5 to 7 days. After that, the IgM
or IgG serological assays are helpful. Isolation of the virus from culture, viral
nucleic acid positivity, antigen positivity, or IgM positivity in the CSF for DENV
suggests encephalitis rather than just encephalopathy. The CSF analysis can also show
lymphocytic pleocytosis and/or elevated protein. Patients with malaria, leptospirosis,
and past DENV infection may sometimes present false-positive results, and cross-reactivity
with other flaviviruses, such as that of yellow fever, can also yield false-positive
results.[41] The DENV can be identified in the CSF by PCR.[93]
Potassium measurements, EMG, and CPK levels should be requested in cases suspected
of hypokalemic paralysis or DF-associated myositis to confirm the clinical diagnosis.
GENERAL TREATMENT
Currently, there are no definite effective antiviral agents available to treat DENV
infection.[94] The general supportive therapy includes intensive hematological monitoring, fluid
replacement, and blood transfusions as needed. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
can worsen gastritis and cause bleeding; therefore, they should be avoided.[4]
Numerous studies on specific and nonspecific antivirals against DENV have been conducted,
but only a few have progressed to the clinical trial stage. Most failed to reduce
viremia, improve cytokine profiles, or shorten fever duration. More recently, a phase-1
clinical trial revealed that a novel pan-serotype NS3-NS4B inhibitor (JNJ-1802) was
safe and well tolerated; it is undergoing a phase-2 trial to ascertain its efficacy
in humans.[95]
NEUROLOGICAL TREATMENT
There is no particular treatment for any of the neurologic complications of DF, like
encephalitis or encephalopathy. However, supportive care and symptomatic treatment
are essential, such as steroids for myositis, myelitis, and encephalomyelitis, mannitol
or diuretics for elevated intracranial pressure, and antiepileptics for seizures.
According to published research, immunomodulators effectively treat GBS cases caused
by DENV infection (intravenous immunoglobulin therapy). Potassium supplementation
results in full recovery from hypokalemic paralysis.[41]
Although neurotoxicity has not been reported in licensed DF vaccines, the potential
neurological consequences after more widespread use are unknown. Therefore, it is
essential to continue monitoring the long-term effects of these vaccines to ensure
they remain safe for use and protect public health.
PREVENTION
To prevent DF epidemics, a combination of strategies is needed to reduce the population
of mosquitoes that transmit the virus and minimize human-mosquito contact. Some effective
measures include mosquito control, personal protection, community engagement, public
campaigns, vector surveillance and management, health system strengthening, and investing
in research for new vector-control methods, vaccines, and treatment options for DF.
By implementing these preventive measures comprehensively and consistently, communities
can reduce the risk of DF epidemics and protect public health.
Several DENV vaccines are currently being developed and tested in clinical trials.[19]
[90]
[96] The two presently-licensed DENV vaccines are Dengvaxia (Sanofi Pasteur, Lyon, France)
and Qdenga (TAK-003, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Tokio, Japan). The primary goal of DENV
vaccine development is to generate neutralizing antibodies against each of the four
DENV serotypes. This is done in order to stop the development of non-protective, cross-reactive
sub-neutralizing antibodies that could lead to antibody-dependent enhancement in response
to a subsequent DENV infection. In addition, regardless of DENV immune status, the
optimal vaccination should protect against all serotypes and phenotypes, from mild
to severe, in all age groups. But even with strong neutralizing antibody titers to
all serotypes in phase-3 trials, Dengvaxia appears to provide superior protection
against DENV4, and Qdenga appears to provide better protection against DENV2.[96] Dengue vaccines are also being evaluated using the same successful mRNA vaccine
technique used for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which
could yield new DF vaccine candidates.[96]
Dengvaxia is a live, attenuated, recombinant, tetravalent DF vaccine that is the first
vaccine approved for the prevention of symptomatic DF in individuals aged 9 to 60 years
by any of the 4 DENV serotypes in many endemic areas. The decreased effectiveness
of the Dengvaxia vaccine against DENV2, a notably severe strain associated with DF
outbreaks, raises significant concerns about its ability to provide adequate protection.
The risk of severe DF is recognized to be greater during a secondary infection compared
to a primary infection. Thus, there is a theoretical proposition that administering
Dengvaxia to an individual without previous DENV exposure may mimic a primary infection
and increase the risk of developing severe DF during a subsequent natural infection
after immunization. Clinical research has revealed anti-DENV antibodies that remained
after five years without posing any health risks. In individuals previously exposed
to DF, a 3-dose regimen at intervals of 0, 6, and 12 months was recommended. Dengvaxia
is currently licensed and accessible for use by people aged 9 to 45 in 20 different
countries. The WHO advises administering Dengvaxia exclusively to individuals who
have a history of confirmed DENV infections. By taking this calculated risk, the possibility
of severe DF is reduced in the unlikely event that these people contract the virus
after being vaccinated. This concern was addressed after an analysis of the data from
three efficacy trials, which demonstrated that this vaccine protects seropositive
individuals against DF and DF-related hospitalization for five years. However, there
is evidence that individuals who are not exposed to the DENV have a higher risk of
developing DF, potentially heightening the susceptibility to severe DF following a
subsequent natural infection postvaccination.[97]
The Qdenga vaccine showed significant protection against symptomatic DF over a period
of three years. It was found to be effective against symptomatic DF in a clinical
trial including children in eight countries where DF is common, which was conducted
over a period of three years. The effectiveness may decrease over time; however, its
strength remained unchanged in hospitalized DF cases. The DENV2 exhibits a high level
of neutralizing antibodies compared to serotypes 1, 3, and 4, which present lower
responses. Qdenga demonstrates long-term effectiveness in treating DF in hospitalized
patients without raising the risk of hospitalization or significant safety concerns.
It is efficacious and well-tolerated in individuals who are both DENV-naive and DENV-exposed.
Seroconversion occurs for all forms of DENV. A rash is a typical side effect that
affects the entire body and is linked to a fourfold immunological reaction.[97]
Instituto Butantan, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, the United States National Institutes
of Health (NIH), and Merck & Co., Inc. are conducting a phase-3 trial for Butantan-DV,
a vaccine similar to the NIH's TV-003 (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
). The efficacy data available after two years revealed that the overall efficacy
against DENV1 was of 89.5% and of 69.6% against DENV2, with higher efficacy among
seropositive individuals than seronegative individuals.[19]
[90]
[96]
In December 2023, Brazil became the first country to offer a DF vaccine through its
Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS, in Portuguese). The vaccine provided
in Brazil is the Qdenga, which is indicated for anyone aged 4 to 60 years without
a history of DENV infection. The vaccine has been administered to individuals living
in endemic areas in 521 municipalities. The selection of these regions was based on
criteria such as high transmission rates throughout the past decade and the prevalence
of the DENV2 serotype. The target audience is children and adolescents aged 10 to
14 years, who present the second highest rate of hospitalization for DF, only behind
elderly individuals, who are not authorized to receive the vaccine yet. The immunization
schedule comprises two doses administered three months apart and includes four distinct
serotypes of the DENV. Vaccination began in February 2024.[98]
Bibliographical Record
Abelardo Queiroz Campos Araujo, Marco Antonio Lima, Marcus Tulius Teixeira Silva.
Neurodengue, a narrative review of the literature. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2024; 82: s00441787799.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787799