Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika: The Causes and Threats of Emerging and Re-emerging Arboviral Diseases

Abstract

The recent emergence and re-emergence of viral infections transmitted by vectors, Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and others, is a cause for international concern. Here, we provide a summary of the current understanding of the transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, global burden, and the likelihood of future epidemics by these viruses. Arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes are challenging to diagnose and can have surprising clinical complications. Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are the most important diseases caused by arboviruses worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. These are transmitted to humans by day-biting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. In India, the increase in the incidence of dengue and chikungunya cases is primarily linked to the dissemination of Aedes aegypti. A rapid and accurate diagnosis is paramount for effectively controlling dengue outbreaks. As there is no vaccination or specific treatment available for these viruses, vector control is the only comprehensive solution available.

Keywords: chikungunya encephalitis; dengue fever (df); dengue hemorrhagic fever (dhf); dengue shock syndrome (dss); dengue thrombocytopenia; dengue virus infection; mosquito vector; sero-surveillance; vector borne diseases; zika infection.

Figure 1. Factors affecting the severity of dengue infection

IFN: interferon, APL: altered peptide ligand

Figure 2. DENV, antigen, and antibody responses used in diagnosis