Dengue Pneumonia: a Tropical Problem

Dengue; Pneumonia; Tropical; Arbovirus; Acute febrile illness; Dengue is an important tropical arbovirus infection. The infection can result in acute febrile illness with hemorrhagic problem. However, the atypical clinical presentation in dengue can also be seen. In addition, some atypical clinical complications due to dengue are also observable. Here, the specific interesting problem, dengue pneumonia is discussed. Regarding dengue, it cannot cause pneumonia. Nevertheless, there are many concurrent conditions relating to pneumonia that might co-exist with dengue. In fact, pneumonia is a common problem worldwide. The interrelationship between dengue and pneumonia is sporadically reported in the literature. The Staphylococcus pneumonia is an important concomitant problem seen in dengue patient [1]. Cavity forming pneumonia might be observable [2]. Also, the co-infection between dengue and influenza can result in exacerbation of pneumonia [3]. In pediatric patient, the coinfection with Mycoplasma pneumonia is also reported [4]. Hence, the concurrent dengue and pneumonia is possible in clinical practice. The concurrence should be always recognized and must not be forgotten. In case without coinfection, the severe form of dengue might also prone to have pneumonia as complication and the pneumonia might be the cause of death in dengue patient [5]. The extremely rare type of pneumonia, pneumocystis pneumonia in non HIV dengue patient is also reported [6]. Due to the expansion of endemic area of dengue, the disease might exist in the new setting and the pneumonia in dengue patient should be kept in mind of the practitioner