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Measuring Dengue Virus RNA in the Culture Supernatant of Infected Cells by Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: November 1, 2018
Flying under the radar - impact and factors influencing asymptomatic DENV infections
Paulo Henriques1, Alexandra Rosa1, Helena Caldeira-Araújo1,2
1Projecto Medicina, Faculdade de Ciências da Vida, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal.
Abstract:
The clinical outcome of DENV and other Flaviviruses infections represents a spectrum of severity that ranges from mild manifestations to severe disease, which can ultimately lead to death. Nonetheless, most of these infections result in an asymptomatic outcome that may play an important role in the persistent circulation of these viruses. Also, although little is known about the mechanisms that lead to these asymptomatic infections, they are likely the result of a complex interplay between viral and host factors. Specific characteristics of the infecting viral strain, such as its replicating efficiency, coupled with host factors, like gene expression of key molecules involved in the immune response or in the protection against disease, are among crucial factors to study. This review revisits recent data on factors that may contribute to the asymptomatic outcome of the world's widespread DENV, highlighting the importance of silent infections in the transmission of this pathogen and the immune status of the host.
Insights
Most Dengue virus (DENV) infections are asymptomatic, playing a key role in virus transmission. Understanding the interplay between viral and host factors is crucial for managing DENV infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) and other Flavivirus infections present a wide spectrum of clinical severity, from mild to fatal.
- Most DENV infections are asymptomatic, contributing significantly to viral circulation and transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent data on factors influencing asymptomatic DENV outcomes.
- To highlight the role of silent infections in DENV transmission.
- To emphasize the importance of host immune status in DENV pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on DENV.
- Analysis of viral and host factors contributing to asymptomatic infections.
- Examination of immune response and protective mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Asymptomatic DENV infections are common and crucial for sustained viral transmission.
- Viral factors (e.g., replication efficiency) and host factors (e.g., immune gene expression) interact to determine clinical outcomes.
- Host immune status significantly influences the manifestation of DENV disease.
Conclusions:
- Silent DENV infections are critical for pathogen transmission.
- A complex interplay of viral and host factors dictates the spectrum of DENV clinical outcomes.
- Further research into these factors is essential for effective DENV control strategies.
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