Thrombocyte: the prime target of dengue virus – A review

Abstract

Dengue fever is an endemic infectious disease caused by dengue virus (DENV). A sustained increase in the incidence of dengue infection is clear in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Clinical manifestations in dengue ranges from fever on 2nd-3rd day to thrombocytopenia on 4th day. Initial stage of dengue fever may progress to potentially fatal Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and Dengue shock syndrome (DSS). The main targets of DENV are platelets, as a result thrombocytopenia is regarded as the potential indicator in the diagnosis of dengue. There is no particular therapeutics for the treatment of dengue infection. Acetaminophen is generally given to reduce pain and fever. Platelet transfusion was performed in some hospitalized patients, but its effectiveness is controversial. This article also specifies on unnecessary platelet transfusion therapies which are now considered harmful more than having beneficial effects in patients with dengue.