**Core Concept**
The patient's symptoms are suggestive of Dengue Fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus. The most sensitive diagnostic test for dengue is crucial for early detection and management.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most sensitive diagnostic test for dengue is the **Non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen detection test**. This test detects the NS1 protein, which is a non-structural protein produced by the dengue virus during its replication cycle. The NS1 antigen can be detected in the serum of patients with dengue fever as early as 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms. The NS1 antigen detection test is more sensitive than the dengue virus isolation test and is widely used for rapid diagnosis of dengue fever.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** IgM antibody detection test is a specific test for dengue, but it is not as sensitive as the NS1 antigen detection test, especially in the early stages of the disease.
**Option B:** IgG antibody detection test is not useful for diagnosing acute dengue infection, as IgG antibodies may persist for years after recovery.
**Option C:** PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a sensitive test for detecting viral RNA, but it is not as widely available and requires specialized equipment.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The World Health Organization recommends the use of NS1 antigen detection tests as a rapid diagnostic tool for dengue fever, especially in areas where dengue is endemic.
**Correct Answer:** C. NS1 antigen detection test
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.