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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
15:25
Protocol for Dengue Infections in Mosquitoes A. aegypti and Infection Phenotype Determination
Published on: July 4, 2007
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Genetics of dengue epidemics.
Allyson N X Choi1, Duane J Gubler1, Eng Eong Ooi2
1Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
Trends in Microbiology
|June 6, 2025
Summary
Genetic changes in dengue viruses (DENVs) significantly influence epidemic emergence. Understanding these genetic factors, beyond the envelope gene, is crucial for developing early warning systems for dengue outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Dengue is a significant mosquito-borne viral disease in tropical regions, causing cyclical epidemics that strain healthcare systems.
- While low population immunity is often blamed for epidemics, the role of dengue virus (DENV) genetics in epidemic emergence is understudied.
- Not all DENV introductions lead to epidemics, suggesting other factors like viral genetics play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how genetic changes affect DENV fitness.
- To link specific genetic alterations to epidemic emergence.
- To highlight the importance of nonstructural genes and untranslated regions in DENV evolution.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on genetic changes in DENV.
- Analysis of genetic traits linked to experimentally defined biological functions.
- Examination of genetic changes in nonstructural genes and untranslated regions.
Main Results:
- Genetic changes, particularly in nonstructural genes and untranslated regions, significantly impact DENV fitness and epidemic potential.
- Many genetic traits contributing to past epidemics may have been missed by solely sequencing the envelope (E) gene.
- Specific genetic changes have been linked to the emergence of particular dengue epidemics.
Conclusions:
- A systematic approach to studying DENV genetics is needed to understand epidemic dynamics.
- Focusing beyond the E gene is essential for a comprehensive understanding of DENV evolution.
- Understanding DENV genetics can form the basis for developing early warning systems for dengue epidemics.
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