Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen
Understanding Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen
What is Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen?
The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test helps to detect dengue, a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV). This test detects the presence of the dengue NS1 antigen, a protein produced by DENV. It detects the infection during the initial stages, thereby preventing disease progression and severe illness.
Dengue spreads via the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the virus and commonly occurs in tropical and subtropical climates. Most of the infected people do not show any symptoms, but for those that do, the most common symptoms include high fever, body pain, headache, nausea, and rash. Usually, these symptoms improve in about 1-2 weeks, but people who develop a severe dengue infection may need hospitalization, as severe dengue can be fatal.
Currently, there is no specific treatment available for dengue. Hence, early diagnosis with the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test is essential to prevent complications. If you have traveled to a place where dengue is common, get tested even if you do not have any symptoms. Additional tests may be needed if you test negative yet show symptoms. Also, reports state that dengue may also spread from an infected mother to her unborn baby. Expecting mothers should get tested if an infection is suspected. Appropriate measures like proper rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and regularly monitoring symptoms can help prevent disease progression and further complications. Usually, no special preparation is required for a dengue fever test; eat and drink as per your daily routine.
Test result ranges are approximate and may vary slightly between labs due to differences in methodology and laboratory guidelines. The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test utilizes immunoassay technology, such as ELISA or CLIA, which can vary based upon the availability of different instruments across locations. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.
What is Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen used for?
The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test is done:
- For the detection of dengue infection.
- When you experience symptoms suggestive of dengue fever, such as fever, body pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rash, and pain behind the eyes.
- For differential diagnosis of flaviviruses and fever.
What does Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen measure?
The Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test measures the NS-1 protein of the dengue virus. This protein is secreted into the blood during the infection; hence, it can only be detected during the early stages of the illness. It is recommended to do the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test in the first 5 days of fever. After 7-10 days of continuous fever, the recommended test is Dengue fever antibodies IgG & IgM.
Dengue fever may progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome if left untreated. Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) includes variable manifestations like bleeding, vomiting blood, passing blood in the stool, difficulty breathing, and cold, clammy skin, especially in the extremities. If progressed, the virus may attack blood vessels, causing capillaries to leak fluid into the space around the lungs (pleural effusion) or the abdominal cavity (ascites).
Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) is a severe complication of dengue fever caused when the body's immune system overreacts to the dengue virus. It can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and dehydration; if not managed timely, it may lead to multiple organ failures.
There is no specific treatment for dengue, but early diagnostic testing, such as the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test, can prevent the advancement of dengue to its complicated forms.
Interpreting Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen results
Interpretations
|
Result in index |
Remarks |
|
Negative (<0.9) |
No detectable dengue NS1 antigen. The result does not rule out dengue infection. An additional sample should be tested for IgG & IgM serology in 7-14 days.
|
|
Equivocal (0.9-1.1) |
Repeat sample after 1 week
|
|
Positive (>1.1) |
Presence of detectable dengue NS1 antigen. Dengue IgG & IgM serology assays should be performed on follow-up samples after 5-7 days of onset of fever to confirm dengue infection. |
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen
Frequently Asked Questions about Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen
Q. What are the most common symptoms of dengue fever?
Q. What are the clinical types of dengue fever?
Q. What does the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test measure?
Q. How is the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test different from a Dengue Antibodies test?
Q. What tests can be done along with the Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test to detect dengue infection?
Q. What does it mean if my Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test report is positive?
Q. What foods increase platelets in patients with dengue?
Q. Is there any specific treatment available for dengue?
Book a Dengue Fever NS1 Antigen test at home near me
References
- Dengue and severe dengue (no date) World Health Organization. World Health Organization. [Accessed 05 Apr. 2023] Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
- CDC. Dengue Virus Antigen Detection [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019 May 06 [Accessed 27 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/healthcare-providers/testing/antigen-detection.html
- CDC. Avoid Dengue By Preventing Mosquito Bites [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022 February 01 [accessed 27 Feb. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/media/avoid-dengue.html#:~:text=Use%20insect%20repellent%2C%20wear%20long,the%20bites%20of%20infected%20mosquitoes
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