Dengue is described as having how many varying strands?

Dengue is described as having how many varying strands?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (C)

Dengue has four distinct serotypes. These are antigenically different forms of the dengue virus, commonly referred to as DEN-1 through DEN-4. Because each serotype is different, infection with one does not provide lasting protection against the others, and a second infection with a different serotype can increase the risk of severe dengue due to immune mechanisms. Knowing there are four circulating strains is important for interpreting surveillance data and guiding vaccine considerations, since outbreaks can involve multiple serotypes and shifts in which serotypes are common. The numbers two, three, or five would not fit the established four serotypes.

Dengue has four distinct serotypes. These are antigenically different forms of the dengue virus, commonly referred to as DEN-1 through DEN-4. Because each serotype is different, infection with one does not provide lasting protection against the others, and a second infection with a different serotype can increase the risk of severe dengue due to immune mechanisms. Knowing there are four circulating strains is important for interpreting surveillance data and guiding vaccine considerations, since outbreaks can involve multiple serotypes and shifts in which serotypes are common. The numbers two, three, or five would not fit the established four serotypes.