AsianScientist (June. 15, 2015) – Dengue is an emerging infectious disease which disproportionately affects people living in Asia. As part of our series of articles published in conjunction with ASEAN Dengue Day 2015, here are our top stories on dengue over the past year.
Outbreaks
- Japan Experiences First Dengue Outbreak In 70 Years
Japan’s first dengue outbreak in 70 years underscores the rising impact of mosquito-borne diseases as global temperatures rise. - Dengue In India 300 Times Under-Reported
Researchers estimate that the dengue infection rates in India are 282 times higher than officially reported, costing the country US$1.11 billion each year. - Expect Drastic Increase In Dengue Driven By Climate Change
Researchers predict that rising temperatures will have a “devastating” impact on Asia-Pacific countries struggling with dengue.
Vaccines
- Sanofi’s Dengue Vaccine Promising But Offers Incomplete Protection
A late-stage clinical trial has shown that Sanofi’s dengue vaccine reduces dengue hemorrhagic fever by 89 percent but does not protect against serotype 2.
Antibodies
- Broadly Neutralizing DENV Antibodies Found
The discovery of antibodies that can neutralize all four dengue strains has sparked new hopes for a vaccine. - Potent Dengue Neutralizing Antibody Found
An unusual antibody that can bind across three DENV-3 surface proteins could help treat dengue infections. - Visterra & A*STAR To Bring Dengue Antibody To Clinical Trials
A*STAR’s D3 has joined Visterra to bring the dengue monoclonal antibody VIS513 to proof-of-concept clinical trials.
Small molecule drugs
- New Drug Could Tackle Dengue
A study shows that Celgosivir could potentially be used to treat dengue fever, a disease for which antivirals currently do not exist. - Monash & 60P To Develop Dengue Drug
Based on the Monash discovery that the anti-cancer drug Fenretinide acts as an antiviral, the partnership with 60P hopes to bring the drug to dengue patients.
Herbal remedies
- Herbal Drug For Dengue Stirs Debate
A controversial herbal drug for dengue has been making rounds on the internet, but some scientists have questioned any such claims as unsubstantiated. - Safety Issues Stall Philippines Dengue Herbal Trial
A controversial trial of herb-derived treatments for dengue has been stalled amidst ethical and drug-resistance concerns.
Diagnostics
- Detecting Dengue From Drool
Researchers from IBN are currently in talks with ARKRAY to commercialize their one-step dengue test kit.
Vector control
- Will Wolbachia Work? Model Says Yes
Introducing Wolbachia bacteria into the dengue-carrying mosquito population could reduce the number of dengue infections, especially in high transmission settings.
Basic research
- Decoding Dengue’s RNA Defense
Scientists have uncovered the pathway that the dengue virus-2 uses to evade the immune response. - How Dengue Gets Under Your Skin
The skin is an important site in the battle between dengue viruses and the immune system, study says.
This article is part of our feature on ASEAN Dengue Day 2015. Click here to read other articles in the series.
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Copyright: Asian Scientist Magazine; Photo: Shutterstock.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
