Dengue is spreading, and it’s becoming a global concern. This year alone, over 4.2 million cases have been reported by October 2nd, a significant jump from half a million in 2000. What used to be limited to tropical regions has now reached southern Europe, prompting scientists to explore various ways to put a halt to its advance.
Challenges in Dengue Control
Dengue, also known as breakbone fever, is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. It brings symptoms like fever, bone pain, and, in severe cases, can lead to death. Unfortunately, there isn’t a specific treatment for dengue, and the available vaccines have their limitations. Controlling the mosquitoes responsible for spreading the disease is no easy task either.
Researchers are actively working on solutions. At the recent American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meeting in Chicago, scientists discussed their progress in developing vaccines, antiviral medications, and methods to control mosquitoes. The consensus is clear – tackling dengue requires a multi-pronged approach.
One challenge is that dengue is caused by four different viral types. Existing vaccines like Dengvaxia and QDenga have shown promise but come with their own sets of limitations. A new contender, TV003, developed by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, boasts an 80% efficacy rate in symptomatic dengue cases, offering hope for a more effective solution.
Antiviral Pill on the Horizon
In addition to vaccines, there’s encouraging news on the antiviral front. Janssen, a pharmaceutical company in Belgium, has presented positive data on JNJ-1802, an antiviral drug taken in pill form. In a controlled trial, participants taking the drug had reduced or undetectable virus levels compared to those on a placebo, supporting further evaluation for its effectiveness against natural dengue infection.
However, giving a daily pill to entire populations may not be practical or affordable, especially when many dengue cases are asymptomatic. Still, it could be a valuable option for travelers heading to dengue-prone areas.
Innovative Mosquito Control
Traditional methods of controlling dengue-transmitting mosquitoes, like insecticides, have had limited success. The World Mosquito Program is trying a different approach, releasing mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia, a bacterium that competes with dengue and Zika viruses. In areas where these modified mosquitoes were introduced in Colombia, dengue incidence dropped by 94–97%.
In summary, scientists are actively working on multiple fronts – from improved vaccines and antiviral drugs to innovative mosquito control methods – to put a stop to the spread of dengue. With the disease now appearing in new locations, a combined effort is essential to effectively combat this growing global health threat.
Link to the article: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03453-0.pdf
References:
Lenharo M. Dengue is spreading. Can new vaccines and antivirals halt its rise?. Nature. 2023;623(7987):470. doi:10.1038/d41586-023-03453-0
Hadinegoro SR, Arredondo-García JL, Capeding MR, et al. Efficacy and Long-Term Safety of a Dengue Vaccine in Regions of Endemic Disease. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(13):1195-1206. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1506223
López-Medina E, Biswal S, Saez-Llorens X, et al. Efficacy of a Dengue Vaccine Candidate (TAK-003) in Healthy Children and Adolescents 2 Years after Vaccination. J Infect Dis. 2022;225(9):1521-1532. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiaa761
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