Dengue fever is a tropical disease carried by the Aedes mosquito, which takes the Dengue Virus. The World Health Organization named Dengue fever one of the top global health hazards in 2019. Around 40% of the world’s population (3 billion) lives in locations where they risk developing Dengue Fever. About 390 million infections are detected yearly, with approximately 22 000 fatalities caused by severe dengue, often referred to as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Because there is presently no vaccine or treatment for Dengue fever, prevention using mosquito repellents/nets and prompt, early diagnosis is critical in reducing the intensity of this disease. Here is what one should know about dengue fever and its test kits by dengue rapid test kit manufacturer.
Symptoms of dengue fever
Common symptoms
– Red rash
– Fever
– Loss of appetite
– Nausea
– Muscle and joint pain
– Headache
– Pain behind the eyes
Serious symptoms
– Breathing
– Bleeding gums
– Swollen stomach
– Fast or weak pulse
– Persistent vomiting
– Loss of consciousness
Chikungunya is different
Because infected Aedes mosquitos carry both Dengue and Chikungunya, they are frequently found in the exact locations. These infections, however, are caused by distinct viruses; Dengue is produced by the Flavideae flavivirus, while the Togaviridae alphavirus causes Chikungunya. Dengue and Chikungunya infection have similar symptoms, but several significant distinctions exist. Chikungunya is frequently connected with arthritic/joint symptoms and only rarely causes hemorrhagic complications.
Rapid test kits
Rapid tests are a quick and easy way to show the existence of dengue viral antigens. Depending on the test, these tests use lateral flow immunochromatography to get findings in 10-20 minutes. Because the Dengue Rapid Tests may be maintained at room temperature, they are cost-effective for long-distance transportation and storage. The technique for the testing is straightforward: drop a sample into the device well, add buffer solution, and wait. If the result is affirmative, a line will show on the T (test) area.
Types of test kits
There are two types of test kits that one should know of:
1. IgG/IgM Rapid Test Kits
The Dengue IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device looks for IgG/IgM antibodies. IgM antibodies grow to measurable levels about 3 to 5 days following the beginning of fever in primary Dengue infection. IgM antibodies typically last 30 to 90 days. Most Dengue patients in endemic areas develop secondary conditions, which lead to elevated levels of specific IgG antibodies before or concurrent with IgM response. As a result, detecting particular anti-Dengue IgM and IgG antibodies can aid in distinguishing between primary and secondary infections.
2. Antigen Rapid Test Kits
The Dengue Antigen Rapid Kits identify the presence of NS1 antigens in Dengue Fever. NS1 engages with the host’s immune system, inducing a T-cell response that produces IgG and IgM antibodies. This reaction has been utilized as an infection diagnostic sign. This test is beneficial for detecting infection in the early stages before developing antibodies.
Before one searches for a dengue rapid test kit supplier like Alpine Biomedicals, it is crucial to look for reliable test kits. One should consider the fact that the company is reputed and that the cost is pocket friendly.