Host factors and genetic polymorphisms influencing dengue infection

Abstract

The dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that causes severe morbidity and between 50 and 100 million illnesses each year worldwide. About 25% of infected patients encounter severe forms of the disease, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome, which result in considerable rates of mortality and morbidity. The majority of instances of the disease appear as subclinical infection or mild fever. The pathophysiology of the unique dengue infection outcome is determined by the complex interplay of variables relating to the virus, vector, and host; the majority of this interaction is currently poorly understood. This review study will highlight the human genetic determinants of DENV vulnerability, including blood type, human leukocyte antigens, and single nucleotide polymorphisms in immune response genes associated with DENV illness. Other factors that influence the course of DENV susceptibility will also be discussed, including age, ethnicity, nutritional status and bleeding.