All of the following features are seen in dengue hemorrhagic fever except: September 2010
**Core Concept**
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a severe form of dengue infection characterized by plasma leakage, hemorrhage, and severe bleeding. It is caused by the dengue virus, primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the pathophysiology of DHF, which involves a complex interplay between the virus and the host's immune response. DHF is characterized by a high level of viremia, thrombocytopenia, and plasma leakage due to increased vascular permeability. This increased permeability leads to hypovolemic shock, hemorrhage, and organ failure.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not necessarily true for DHF. While plasma leakage is a hallmark of DHF, it is not a defining feature.
* **Option B:** This option is not a characteristic of DHF. Hemorrhage is a feature of DHF, but it is not a distinguishing feature.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because thrombocytopenia is a characteristic of DHF. It is caused by the destruction of platelets due to the immune response.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key feature of DHF is the presence of a high hematocrit level despite evidence of plasma leakage, indicating hemoconcentration.
**Correct Answer: B.**