MCQs on Dengue fever (viral infection), diagnosis and treatment (with clinical case): Medical microbiology

                            MCQs on Dengue fever, diagnosis and treatment

1. A 45-year-old female residing in Delhi, India presents to the emergency department with a high-grade fever, severe headache, and joint pain. She reports that her symptoms began suddenly a week ago with a fever that reached up to 103°F. She describes headache as intense and located behind her eyes. She complains severe joint pain, especially in her wrists and ankles. She has developed a rash on her arms and legs, which is characterized by small red spots.

The patient has no significant past medical history. She has been taking pain reliever medications (ibuprofen) and paracetamol to manage her symptoms. Her family informs that other people in her neighbourhood are also sick with similar symptoms. 

Upon examination, her temperature is 103°F, blood pressure is 114/75 mm Hg, respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute. The patient appear fatigued and mildly dehydrated, she has maculopapular rash on her arms and legs. The rest of the physical examination is unremarkable.

Complete blood count (CBC) test is performed, a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), and hematocrit (Hct) is elevated, suggesting hemoconcentration. Liver function tests reveal mild elevation in liver enzymes.

Dengue-specific serological tests confirm the presence of Dengue virus antibodies.The patient is admitted to the hospital for close monitoring and supportive care. 

What is the primary treatment method for dengue fever?

a. Antibiotics 

b. Antiviral medications

c. Supportive care to manage symptoms    

d. Surgery

2. Which of the following is the primary vector responsible for transmitting Dengue fever?

a. Aedes mosquito
b. Anopheles mosquito

c. Culex mosquito 

d. Ixodes tick

3. What type of virus causes Dengue fever?
a. Denguevirus type A
b. Denguevirus type B     
c. Denguevirus type C
d. Denguevirus type D

4. What are the common symptoms of Dengue fever?
a. Cough, sore throat, and runny nose   

b. Headache and dizziness
c. High fever, joint pain, rash, and bleeding  

d. Muscle cramps and fatigue

5. Which of the following age group are at highest risk for Dengue fever?

a. Adults and older children     

b. Children under 5 year old

c. Newborns

d. All of the above

6. How is Dengue fever typically diagnosed?
a. Blood culture
b. Clinical symptoms only

c. Urine test
d. Blood tests for Dengue virus antibodies   

7. Which preventive measure is effective in reducing the risk of Dengue fever transmission?
a. Avoiding fruits and vegetables

b. Drinking untreated water
c. Using mosquito nets    
d. Vaccination

8. Which geographic regions are at the highest risk for Dengue fever outbreaks?
a. Arctic regions
b. Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas   

c. Sub-Saharan Africa 

d. Western Europe

9. What is the typical incubation period for Dengue fever after being bitten by an infected mosquito?
a. 1-2 days
b. 1-2 weeks   
c. 1-2 months
d. 1-2 years

10. Which of the following best describes Dengue Shock Syndrome?

a. Altered consciousness, seizures and pulmonary edema and respiratory distress

b. Enlargement of the spleen and enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly)

c. Inflammation of the brain leading to encephalitis

d. Severe plasma leakage with dangerously low blood pressure

Answers:

1) c. Supportive care to manage symptoms 

2) a. Aedes mosquito  

3) b. Denguevirus type B

4) c. High fever, joint pain, rash, and bleeding     

5) a. Adults and older children     

6) d. Blood tests for Dengue virus antibodies   

7) c. Using mosquito nets   

8) b. Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas 

9) b. 1-2 weeks 

10) d. Severe plasma leakage with dangerously low blood pressure

 

Please visit: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/4-february-2019-dengue-jamaica-en