Summary
- Dengue virus infection is a global health concern, with millions of infected cases reported each year.
- Dengue virus infection has been increasing in Jamaica, necessitating the need to conduct molecular and epidemiologic studies.
- A study held in Jamaica performed whole-genome sequencing of dengue virus isolated from patients who were seeking care during the 2018-2020 epidemic.
- The study showed interesting evidence about the genetic dynamics and patterns of transmission in Jamaica, which elucidates the viral introduction and endemic evolution.
- Molecular surveillance is a vital approach to understand the ongoing virus circulation and help guide public health responses.
Dengue fever is an arboviral infection by a mosquitoborne virus, and it infects millions each year, globally. Institute of Jamaica reports increasing numbers of dengue fever cases in 1990s, making it a major public health concern. One of the techniques used to study dengue is advanced genetic sequencing which revealed new information about virus genes.
Blood samples were obtained via a study in Kingston, Jamaica that took place between 2019 to 2020 from patients who had positive dengue fever test. The authors have been sequencing the viruses to shed light on their origins and how fast they spread using a method called next-generation sequencing.
The results showed that the dengue virus strain found in Jamaica is of a subtype called DENV-3. Based on genetic analysis, scientists determined this virus was introduced in 2014. Results indicated DENV-3 circulation at a low level with subsequent reporting of an explosive nationwide epidemic from 2018 to 2020.
Careful analysis of these genetic mutations over time reveled patterns suggesting that the virus was changing in ways to avoid immune detection. The adaptation of the virus to humans will change, possibly accelerating its spread and increasing virulence in new outbreaks.
The findings underscore the need for active surveillance and monitoring of dengue viruses to inform public health responses. A clear picture of how the virus is able to change and disseminate assists health officials in executing interventions tailored to ward off epidemics, saving communities.
The results from this study overall, highlight elements of the genetic dynamics of the dengue virus in Jamaica. Researchers used powerful genetic sequencing to uncover clues of where the virus came from, how it evolved and which mutations may drive disease. Continuous surveillance and monitoring will be necessary to address the challenges of dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention