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Multiplexed Isothermal Amplification Based Diagnostic Platform to Detect Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue 1
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Multiplexed Isothermal Amplification Based Diagnostic Platform to Detect Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue 1

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Simultaneous zika and dengue serotype-4 viral detection and isolation from a donor plasma unit

Svetoslav Nanev Slavov1, Fernanda Ursoli Ferreira2, Evandra Strazza Rodrigues2

  • 1Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Journal of Vector Borne Diseases
|August 10, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Asymptomatic individuals can transmit both Zika virus (ZIKV) and Dengue virus (DENV-4) through blood donation. This study identified a coinfection in a Brazilian blood donor, highlighting transfusion risks during mixed arbovirus outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Zika virus (ZIKV) and Dengue virus (DENV) outbreaks often involve asymptomatic infections.
  • Asymptomatic individuals can unknowingly transmit arboviruses via blood donation, contaminating blood products.
  • Mixed arbovirus outbreaks pose complex public health challenges, including transfusion-transmitted infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize a simultaneous Zika virus and Dengue virus type 4 (DENV-4) coinfection in an asymptomatic blood donor.
  • To assess the presence of infectious ZIKV and DENV-4 in a blood donation during a mixed outbreak in Brazil.
  • To evaluate the public health implications of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses during co-circulation.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time PCR was used to detect and quantify ZIKV and DENV RNA in the blood donor sample.
  • Molecular serotyping identified the specific Dengue virus serotype involved in the coinfection.
  • Viral titration in VERO E6 cell culture was performed to determine the presence of infectious arboviruses.

Main Results:

  • The blood donor sample tested positive for both ZIKV and DENV RNA, indicating a coinfection.
  • Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of DENV-4.
  • High viral loads for both ZIKV and DENV were detected, with infectious virus titers of 2.75x10^6 PFU/ml.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the simultaneous presence of infectious ZIKV and DENV-4 in an asymptomatic blood donor sample.
  • Mixed arboviral outbreaks necessitate heightened vigilance for the potential transfusion transmission of multiple viral agents.
  • Screening and awareness are crucial to prevent transfusion-related transmission of arboviruses during co-circulation events.
Keywords:
Coinfectiondengue virusserotypingzika virus

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