Dengue Virus:
Dengue virus is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flavivirus genus. The virus has an enveloped structure with an icosahedral capsid. Dengue virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It is responsible for dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness.

Diseases caused by Dengue Virus:
Dengue fever is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, and bleeding tendencies. In severe cases, it can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening due to plasma leakage, severe bleeding, and organ failure.

Detection and Diagnosis of Dengue Virus:
Diagnosis often involves detecting the virus or its components in the patient’s blood during the acute phase of illness. Molecular methods like PCR can identify viral RNA. Serological methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), like the assays provided here, can detect antibodies produced in response to infection. Early diagnosis is crucial for proper clinical management, as severe cases require careful monitoring and supportive care.