In a significant study conducted by scientists affiliated with India’s government-run Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), it has been proposed that the Covid-19 pandemic may have amplified the severity of dengue, a prevalent vector-borne disease in the country.
The research, titled “SARS-CoV-2 antibodies cross-react and enhance dengue infection,” has been made available on bioRxiv, the preprint server for medical sciences. It’s important to note that the study is currently awaiting peer review.
“This study is the first to demonstrate that anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can cross-react with DENV-2 (dengue virus 2) and can enhance its infection through antibody- dependent enhancement (the ability of antibodies from a previous infection to help a virus infect greater numbers of cells than it would have on its own),” says the study.
Here’s the interpretation from the study
The study revealed a noteworthy discovery: antibodies developed against SARS-CoV-2, whether acquired naturally through human infection or induced via experimental immunization in animals, displayed cross-reactivity with DENV-2, a specific serotype of the dengue virus. Intriguingly, these antibodies also demonstrated the capacity to potentially bolster dengue infection within animal cells.
Here’s the what more the study says – These findings have implications for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development and deployment strategies in regions where dengue is endemic, it adds.
First ever pill against dengue tested on humans
Johnson & Johnson has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against dengue fever with the development of an experimental pill that has demonstrated promising results in a small-scale human challenge trial. This pill, which exhibits antiviral properties against dengue, proved effective in safeguarding multiple patients against a particular strain of the virus, according to reports from Reuters.
Dengue fever, often presenting with mild or no symptoms but notorious for causing severe joint pain and spasms, affects millions of individuals annually, particularly in Asia and Latin America. With no specific treatments currently available, this advancement represents a substantial stride in combating the disease.
The promising initial findings provide a solid foundation for the continued Phase II trials of the pill, which target the prevention of all four variants of dengue in actual settings where the disease is prevalent. The subsequent phase will involve evaluating its efficacy as a treatment.
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Nonetheless, a critical hurdle looms on the horizon: guaranteeing widespread accessibility to the new drug, assuming it proves effective on a broader scale. This is particularly crucial in low- and middle-income nations, where the need for such treatment is most acute. This mirrors the challenge encountered by the dengue vaccine endorsed by the World Health Organization earlier this month.
In partnership with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the trial engaged ten volunteers. These individuals received a potent dosage of the experimental pill five days prior to being exposed to a specific strain of dengue via injection. They maintained the pill regimen for an additional 21 days following the exposure.
Surprisingly, six of the ten participants exhibited no trace of the dengue virus in their bloodstream following exposure to the pathogen. Additionally, there were no indications of an immune response to the infection during the 85-day monitoring period.
The medication functions by inhibiting the activity of two crucial viral proteins, effectively impeding the virus’s ability to replicate. Johnson & Johnson reported that all participants in the trial tolerated the drug well.
New data shows that our #dengue antiviral is the first to demonstrate antiviral activity in humans.
This has the potential to reimagine the global fight against dengue fever” – Johnson and Johnson Global Health tweeted.
Hence, encouraging initial findings provide a strong foundation for the ongoing Phase II trials of the pill, geared towards preventing all four distinct strains of dengue in regions where the disease is widespread. The subsequent phase will focus on evaluating the effectiveness of the pill as a treatment for dengue fever.