Dengue Immunisation: Prevent Disease With Effective Vaccine

The quest for a dengue immunisation has been a long and challenging journey, with scientists and researchers working tirelessly to develop an effective vaccine against this debilitating disease. Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, affects millions of people worldwide, causing a significant burden on public health systems and economies. The development of a dengue vaccine has been a priority for many years, and recent breakthroughs have brought new hope in the fight against this disease.

Understanding Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The disease is characterised by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to life-threatening complications, including dengue haemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The disease is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, where the Aedes mosquito is commonly found.

Historical Evolution of Dengue Vaccines

The development of dengue vaccines has been a gradual process, with several candidates undergoing clinical trials over the years. The first dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, was approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2015. However, the vaccine was found to have limitations, including reduced efficacy in certain populations and potential safety concerns. Since then, researchers have continued to work on developing more effective and safer dengue vaccines.

Current Dengue Vaccines

Several dengue vaccines are currently available or in development, including:

• Dengvaxia: The first approved dengue vaccine, which has been shown to be effective in preventing dengue fever in individuals who have previously been infected with the virus.
• Takeda’s TAK-003: A live, attenuated vaccine that has demonstrated high efficacy in clinical trials, including in populations with no prior dengue infection.
• Sanofi’s TDV: A recombinant vaccine that has shown promise in clinical trials, including in areas with high dengue transmission.

How Dengue Vaccines Work

Dengue vaccines work by introducing a small, harmless piece of the dengue virus or a weakened form of the virus to the body, which triggers an immune response. This immune response helps the body to recognize and fight the virus, preventing infection or reducing the severity of symptoms. Dengue vaccines can be administered in a series of doses, typically two or three doses, spaced several months apart.

Benefits of Dengue Immunisation

Dengue immunisation has several benefits, including:

• Prevention of disease: Dengue vaccines can prevent dengue fever, reducing the risk of complications and death.
• Reduced transmission: By vaccinating a significant portion of the population, dengue vaccines can help reduce the transmission of the virus, protecting those who are not vaccinated.
• Economic benefits: Dengue immunisation can help reduce the economic burden of the disease, including healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite the progress made in dengue vaccine development, there are still challenges and limitations to be addressed, including:

• Efficacy: Dengue vaccines may not provide complete protection against all four serotypes of the virus.
• Safety: Some dengue vaccines have been associated with safety concerns, including an increased risk of severe dengue in certain populations.
• Access: Dengue vaccines may not be widely available or accessible, particularly in resource-poor settings.

Future Directions

The development of effective dengue vaccines is an ongoing process, with researchers continuing to explore new approaches and technologies, including:

• MRNA vaccines: A new class of vaccines that use a piece of genetic material called messenger RNA to stimulate an immune response.
• Vector-based vaccines: Vaccines that use a harmless virus or bacterium to deliver the dengue virus to the body.
• Combination vaccines: Vaccines that combine multiple dengue serotypes or other diseases, such as Zika or chikungunya.

Conclusion

Dengue immunisation is a critical tool in the prevention and control of dengue fever. While challenges and limitations remain, the development of effective dengue vaccines has brought new hope in the fight against this disease. As researchers continue to explore new approaches and technologies, it is essential to address the challenges and limitations of current vaccines, ensuring that dengue immunisation is accessible and effective for all those who need it.