Congenital Dengue Infection: A Novel Case of vertical transmission of Dengue virus in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction:

Dengue is a systemic viral infection that is generally transmitted among humans through female mosquito bite. However there are other modes of transmission as well but very little is known about them due to infrequent reporting. This article reports a case of vertical transmission of dengue virus in Karachi, Pakistan.

Case presentation:

A male newborn who was born with normal weight and normal Apgar score developed fever on 8^th day of his life. The fever progressed through an erythromatous skin rash which appeared on 3^rd day of initial symptom. There was no evidence of mosquito exposure to the baby after the birth. However the baby’s mother gave a history of mosquito bites two days prior to her delivery. The mother had also developed fever on 7^th day of delivery and a maculopapular rash during her 9^th postpartum day.  Baseline investigations of the neonate showed thrombocytopenia, anemia and raised liver function markers. Dengue NS1 antigen test through ELISA was done in both mother and the baby. The test results turned out positive in both the mother and the infant. The diagnosis of dengue fever was established. This case report demonstrates the possibility of the vertical transmission of dengue.

Conclusion:

The health care providers should be aware of this mode of transmission and should be trained adequately to handle such cases.

Keywords: Dengue; Congenital; Vertical transmission; Platelets