Week 13

Question 1

What are the vectors of dengue and Japanese Encephalitis viruses?

Answer 1

Dengue virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Japanese Encephalitis virus is primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, especially Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

Question 2

What is different about the transmission cycle of Japanese Encephalitis versus dengue virus?

Answer 2

Dengue virus has humans as the main amplifying host, with transmission primarily occurring between humans via mosquito vectors. Japanese Encephalitis virus has a zoonotic transmission cycle, with pigs and wading birds as primary amplifying hosts, while humans are considered ‘dead-end’ hosts.

Question 3

List 1-2 recommended diagnostic tests for dengue virus.

Answer 3

1. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Useful for detecting viral RNA in the early stages of infection. 2. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): For detecting dengue-specific IgM and IgG antibodies.

Question 4

List 1-2 recommended diagnostic tests for Japanese Encephalitis virus.

Answer 4

1. PCR: To detect viral RNA, especially in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or blood. 2. IgM ELISA: For detecting Japanese Encephalitis-specific IgM antibodies, typically in CSF or serum.

Question 5

List 2-3 symptoms of infection with dengue virus.

Answer 5

1. High fever 2. Severe headache 3. Muscle and joint pain (often called ‘breakbone fever’)

Question 6

List 2-3 symptoms of infection with Japanese Encephalitis virus.

Answer 6

1. Fever 2. Headache 3. Neurological symptoms (e.g., altered mental state, seizures) in severe cases due to encephalitis.