Talking Dengue

I have been researching Dengue Fever from a scientific aspect and writing down some current research and news. I thought it would be interesting to discuss the topic with a fellow student to see what they know about Dengue Fever. I hope you will find it interesting...

Press the link below and enjoy! 

Genetically Modified Mosquitos Released

In Jacobina, Brazil a new campaign has began to tackle Dengue Fever head on. Millions of modifies newly hatched Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have been released to disrupt the breeding cycle. These engineered mosquitoes are ultimately created to wipe out their own species which would hopefully stop the spread of Dengue Fever.
 

 http://www.all-about-india.com/mosquitoes-in-india.html

 How are the mosquitoes modified? 

The newly hatched mosquitoes are genetically modified with a lethal gene designed to be detrimental to the Aedes aegypti population. In the laboratory  the mosquitoes are kept alive by tetracycline. The females are disposed of and the males are released to mate with wild females. In essence their offspring will inherit the lethal gene and will die before being reproductively developed (no tetracycline to keep them alive).  

Controversy 

Scientists say this is the only way of protecting people from the disease. However, genetically modifying the blood-sucking Dengue vector and then setting them free raises concerns.  Critics say more laboratory studies are crucial before releasing the mosquitoes as we can not be certain of the potential impact the modified vectors will have on human health and the environment. They don't think enough is known about the modified mosquitoes which could potentially be dangerous.    



 Our best chance of beating Dengue Fever 

A small number of these genetically modified mosquitoes were released in Malaysia in 2010 but nothing in comparison to the field tests now underway in Jacobina, Brazil. Despite the possible complications of releasing genetically modified Aedes aegypti this strategy is thought to be our best chance of fighting the spread of Dengue Fever.    


http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-04-10/these-genetically-modified-mosquitos-have-been-launched-mission-end-dengue-fever

 http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/140407/brazil-genetically-modified-mosquitoes-dengue

Dengue, Football and Brazil

The football world cup is on its way to Brazil this summer, but, will the fans be getting more than what they bargained for? 


Dengue transmission will be at its highest during the world cup in June.  Brazil was reported to have over a million cases of Dengue Fever last year. The infectious disease is slowly becoming a global burden and this summer is thought to provide the highest number of cases yet. The increase in infection rates indicate how difficult it is to control the Dengue vector. Management strategies in Brazil including the use of chemical control does not seem to be having the desired effect on the Dengue vector. Bellow is a graph to illustrate the severity of the disease;   

 

 

http://www.oxitec.com/health/dengue-information-centre/brazil-dengue-case-study/

The tropical seasonal climate of Brazil provides the optimum conditions for Aedes aegypti to breed. Brazil has a population of 192.9 million, a large portion of the population live in conurbations including Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. As mosquitoes thrive in areas that are densely populated with stagnant water these cities provide the optimum conditions for Aedes aegypti to thrive.


How is Brazil preparing for the world cup?

Currently there are 6 dengue fever vaccines candidates at various stages of clinical trials but non are commercially available. Educating travelers of the precautions that should be undertaken is currently the best option.  
   

"Fifa, the Brazilian authorities and the World Cup sponsors must use their influence and experience to communicate the risk." says Prof Simon Hay, of Oxford University. 

With travelers expected to arrive in the Dengue endemic country in two months time, are these efforts a little too late? 


  
 http://www.oxitec.com/health/dengue-information-centre/brazil-dengue-case-study/

 http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/21292885/reload=0;jsessionid=SzaJQN96cQdZAzTFODv8.20

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1253857/  

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25118849