Dengue Fever Viruses

Abstract

Dengue viruses are the most important arboviruses causing disease in humans. Approximately 3 billion people live in areas of risk, and there are an estimated 50–100 million cases occurring each year. These estimates reflect an enormous burden of morbidity, predominantly affecting urban centres of the developing world. There is currently no specific treatment and disease control is limited to tackling the vector. Despite considerable scientific attention disease pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. A better understanding of dengue virus biology and disease pathogenesis has the potential to pave the way to successful therapeutic interventions. This article aims to review current understanding of virus and vector biology, disease pathogenesis and clinical manifestations and management. Finally the article will consider novel approaches to clinical management and disease control. Key Concepts: Dengue viruses are the most important arboviruses globally. Dengue viruses are a significant cause of morbidity, particularly in the tropics. The pathogenesis of dengue results from both virus and host factors. Clinical management is limited to parenteral fluids, occasional use of blood products and supportive care. Despite a long gestation and theoretical safety concerns a dengue vaccine may soon be a reality. Novel approaches to vector control may aid global disease control efforts.

Broad dengue neutralization in mosquitoes expressing an engineered antibody

“…Dengue fever is a devastating viral disease caused by several antigenically distinct dengue viral (DENV) serotypes that are all dangerous to humans but cannot be readily controlled using broad-spectrum techniques [1,2]. Transmitted by infected mosquitoes, DENV infection typically manifests as severe fever, headaches, and myalgia [3] and can advance to the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome [4]. Global incidences of DENV and its associated economic burden have increased dramatically in recent years [5,6], with over 50% of the world's population now at risk of infection [7] and 390 million documented infections per year [6] for an estimated $40 billion in economic losses annually [8,9].…”

Patogénesis de dengue: consideraciones moleculares.

“…Sin embargo es importante considerar si tales alternativas terapéuticas podrían tener un impacto clínico positivo, ya que el pico de la viremia típicamente ocurre en las primeras 48 horas de enfermedad lo cual es antes de que la mayoría de los pacientes busquen atención médica. 31…”

Immunogenicity of a novel tetravalent dengue envelope protein domain III-based antigen in mice

“…Recently the reports for dengue infections have been increased, especially among people who live in warm and humid areas. These viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of " Stegomyia” ; especially Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti (Gubler, 1998[ 17 ], 2002[ 18 ]; Whitehorn, 2012[ 39 ]). All dengue serotypes (serotypes 1-4) can infect human and because there is no efficient cross protection between the various serotypes, a perfect dengue vaccine should be a tetravalent vaccine (Guzman et al, 2010[ 20 ]).…”