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NEW DELHI: A recent study published in the journal Nature Medicine has challenged the widely held belief regarding the severity of dengue infections, revealing that primary infections can be as life-threatening as secondary ones. Led by researchers at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi, the study sheds new light on the complexities of dengue and calls for a reevaluation of vaccine development and treatment strategies.
Dengue, a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, has seen a significant rise in India over the past two decades, with the country reporting one of the largest numbers of cases globally. Traditionally, dengue patients have been categorized into two groups: those experiencing their first infection (primary infections) and those who are re-infected after a previous exposure (secondary infections).
The prevailing belief has been that only secondary infections pose significant risks, prompting much of the research into vaccine development and treatment to focus on this group. However, the recent study challenges this notion, revealing that primary infections can also lead to severe illness and even fatalities.
Lead author of the study, Anmol Chandele, highlighted the public health implications of the findings, stating, “Dengue virus infection is a huge public health problem in India. Many patients develop severe disease that can also be sometimes fatal.” Chandele emphasized that the current vaccine intervention research often overlooks the potential severity of primary infections, leading to gaps in understanding and treatment strategies.
The study’s findings underscore the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of dengue prevention and control strategies. Effective and safe vaccine strategies must consider the risks posed by both primary and secondary infections to develop targeted interventions that mitigate the impact of the disease.
The study’s relevance extends beyond India, as dengue viruses continue to spread globally. Alessandro Marcello, head of the ICGEB Molecular Virology laboratory in Italy, emphasized the importance of protecting populations from the first encounter with the virus, citing the recent surge in dengue cases in Italy during 2023.
Collaborating with researchers from Emory School of Medicine in the US, the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, and St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru, the study provides valuable insights into the complexities of dengue infections and calls for concerted efforts to develop effective preventive measures on a global scale.
