About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Scientists may Soon Find a Vaccine for Dengue

by Anubha Sinha on April 19, 2014 at 11:44 AM
 Scientists may Soon Find a Vaccine for Dengue

University of Colorado School of Medicine researchers have found a target that can help in producing a vaccine for dengue.

Scientists explained how dangerous flaviviruses produce a unique RNA molecule that causes the disease.

Advertisement

"The research shows that the virus causing dengue fever and other closely related viruses like West Nile and Japanese encephalitis use instructions encoded on a single strand of RNA to take over an infected cell and reproduce," said Jeffrey S. Kieft, an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics at University of Colorado's school of medicine.

The viruses also use an enzyme that cells use to kill RNA. The cells instead produce short stretches of RNA that may help the virus protect itself from the immune system of its host. The RNA then resists the enzyme which can 'chew it', making the enzyme useless.
Advertisement

"This is the first time this sort of RNA structure has been observed and it has characteristics that may be amenable to targeting by new drugs," researchers said.

Over 40 per cent of people across the globe face the risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes that cause dengue fever.

Some of the symptoms for dengue are headaches, pain and fever. In some cases, tiny blood vessels in the body begin to leak.

Rain and wet winter usually increase cases of dengue as the mosquito gets favourable environment to breed. According to the World Health Organisation, over 2.5 billion people in the world face the risk of suffering from dengue.

The findings were published in journals eLife and Science.

Source: Medindiahat
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Dengue News

Tamil Nadu Plans 1,000 Medical Camps for Dengue Screening Starting October 1
Health Minister of Tamil Nadu Subramanian urged people to attend fever camps and advised against self-treatment for dengue fever symptoms.
Rise in Prevalence of DEN-2 Variant Raises Concerns in Dengue Outbreaks
Health expert confirms all 46 Gautam Buddha Nagar samples tested positive for faster-multiplying DEN-2, no new dengue variants in state this year.
Bangladesh Grapples With Dengue Crisis as Death Toll Surpasses 900
The current year has witnessed a total of 187,725 reported cases of dengue fever in Bangladesh, with the number of deaths surpassing 900 individuals.
Bengaluru Records 4,427 Dengue Cases This Year
Bengaluru witnessed 1,649 dengue cases in July, followed by 1,589 in August, and as of September, 416 cases have been reported.
Dengue Virus Grows More Virulent in Warmer Temperatures
In warmer weather with sporadic rainfall boosting mosquito breeding, the risk of a more potent dengue virus emerging and causing severe disease rises.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Scientists may Soon Find a Vaccine for Dengue Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests