ChatGPT and it’s views on Dengue

Abstract

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity and autonomy. ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI that can understand and generate human like text, one can ask questions, have conversations, write essays, learn new topics/knowledge and much more(1).Dengue is a viral infection caused by dengue virus having 4 serotypes, it is important to know about the disease in India as it is common and potentially life threatening therefore ChatGPT helps students, resident doctors to get to know or learn about the disease within a short span of time hence it is very important to know the credibility and authenticity of the information supplied by a system that is not run by us humans(2).

I asked ChatGPT various questions, which were what is dengue, the signs and symptoms of it, it's pathogenesis, the treatment plan of dengue, types, complications and how to prevent and control the disease. There were some positive views of my conversation with ChatGPT, they were Drugs to avoid in all forms of dengue included aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen due to risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and platelet  inhibition, the warning signs of dengue are mentioned clearly which the doctor should keep in mind while treating the patient. It also mentions the Dengue vaccine proving that it is upto date(3).The technique of how to diagnose dengue using signs and symptoms and various tests that are in use are elaborated(4).On the contrary  I found  that there is no verified author, no references mentioned and that cardiovascular and renal complications were not mentioned which include conduction blocks, arrhythmias and acute kidney injury. Also the tourniquet test is not stated and at what rate the fluids should be given that is whether it is 5ml/hr or 7 or 10ml/hr is not given too. The importance of colloids in the treatment of dengue is not given as it is essential in Dengue shock syndrome (5).

Using ChatGPT made me realise that there are advantages as well as disadvantages of using it, looking at the positive side of it, it has authentic data that is explained in a very simple manner hence it is very easy to understand, the data is very informative and brief which helps understand the disease in it's entirety. It is better than google as there's scattered data, various articles and therefore one has to search for information here and there. On the other hand, there is no human involvement hence when such AI software if not monitored timely might increase the risk of incorrect data reaching it's users about the disease therefore it is very important to train and modify this AI software ChatGPT to provide information from verified sources like PubMed, JAMA, World health organisation, centre for disease control guidelines so that correct and reliable information reaches it's users.

CHATGPT is according to me is a very useful application which benefits the medical professionals as well the patients who want to know about  the disease, it surely has certain flaws but it is advantageous with the pros outweighing the cons.

Keywords: ChatGPT, Dengue, AI.

Support: None

Conflicts of interest: none

REFERENCES:

(1)Bajwa J, Munir U, Nori A, Williams B. Artificial intelligence in healthcare: transforming the practice of medicine. Future Healthc J. 2021 Jul;8(2):e188-e194. doi: 10.7861/fhj.2021-0095. PMID: 34286183; PMCID: PMC8285156.
(2)Chen SY, Kuo HY, Chang SH. Perceptions of ChatGPT in healthcare: usefulness, trust, and risk. Front Public Health. 2024 Sep 13;12:1457131. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1457131. PMID: 39346584; PMCID: PMC11436320.
(3)Wilder-Smith A, Cherian T, Hombach J. Dengue Vaccine Development and Deployment into Routine Immunization. Vaccines (Basel). 2025 Apr 29;13(5):483. doi: 10.3390/vaccines13050483. PMID: 40432095; PMCID: PMC12115503.

(4)Shu PY, Chen LK, Chang SF, Yueh YY, Chow L, Chien LJ, Chin C, Lin TH, Huang JH. Comparison of capture immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and nonstructural protein NS1 serotype-specific IgG ELISA for differentiation of primary and secondary dengue virus infections. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol. 2003 Jul;10(4):622-30. doi: 10.1128/cdli.10.4.622-630.2003. PMID: 12853395; PMCID: PMC164246.

(5) Dengue: Guidelines for Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control: New Edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 2, CLINICAL MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY OF CLINICAL SERVICES.

Here is my conversation with ChatGPT

What is dengue?

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti.

Key Facts About Dengue:

Virus Family: Flaviviridae

·       Types: There are 4 serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). You can get infected with each type in your lifetime.

·       Transmission
Spread by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito.

These mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon.

Dengue does not spread directly from person to person.

What is the pathogenesis  of dengue?

Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted via the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito (mainly Aedes aegypti.

Stage

What Happens

Viral entry

Mosquito bite then virus infects immune cells

Primary immune response

Antibodies, T-cells, and cytokines try to clear the virus

Secondary infection

ADE leads to enhanced viral load and more severe immune reaction

Cytokine storm

Overactive immune response causes vascular leakage and inflammation

Shock & hemorrhage

Plasma leakage, bleeding, and organ damage result in severe dengue forms

What are the complications of dengue?

1. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF):

A more severe form of dengue, usually during a second infection with a different serotype.

Features:

Severe bleeding

Low platelet count

Leaky blood vessels → fluid loss into tissues

Bruising, bleeding gums or nose

Enlarged liver

2. Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS):

The most severe and dangerous form of dengue. Occurs when: Blood pressure drops critically due to fluid loss. Organs may stop receiving adequate blood supply.

Signs:

Cold, clammy skin

Rapid, weak pulse

Restlessness or confusion

Decreased urine output

3. Neurological Complications:

Encephalitis (brain inflammation)

Meningitis

Seizures

Delirium or coma

4.Liver Damage:

Elevated liver enzymes

·       In rare cases, acute liver failure

5. Fluid Accumulation:

In lungs (pleural effusion) or abdomen (ascites)

6. Blood Disorders:

Severe thrombocytopenia (very low platelet count)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) – abnormal blood clotting throughout the body, leading to bleeding

How to prevent and control dengue?

Strategy

Key Actions

Vector Control

Eliminate breeding sites, larvicides, clean surroundings

Personal Protection

Repellents, nets, clothing, indoor protection

Vaccination

Dengvaxia (only for seropositive individuals)

Surveillance

Early case detection and outbreak reporting

Community Involvement

Education, clean-up campaigns, local policy support