Question map
The causal organism of dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus which belongs to which one among the following categories?
Explanation
Dengue fever, also known as 'break-bone fever', is caused by the dengue virus (DENV) [2]. This pathogen is a mosquito-borne, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus and the family Flaviviridae [5]. In modern biological classification, the virus is categorized under the realm Riboviria, which encompasses RNA viruses that use RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication [5]. The term 'Flavi-ribo virus' in the options refers to its classification as a Flavivirus within the Riboviria realm. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes [1]. There are four distinct serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), all of which can cause the full spectrum of the disease, ranging from mild fever to severe hemorrhagic manifestations [5]. Other options like Adenovirus, Vaccinia, and Nipah belong to different viral families and have distinct transmission mechanisms.
Sources
- [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Dengue and Chikungunya > p. 79
- [2] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure > Activity 3.4: Let us find out > p. 35
- [5] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/rr/rr6801a1.htm