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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

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Protocol for Dengue Infections in Mosquitoes (A. aegypti) and Infection Phenotype Determination
Published on: July 4, 2007
The Evolution of Dengue Virus in India
1Viral Vaccines Laboratory, Pathogen Biology Division, BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India ;
Annual Review of Virology
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Dengue virus (DENV) evolution in India is driven by transmission bottlenecks and immune responses, leading to new genotypes and outbreaks. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective dengue vaccines and control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- India faces a significant dengue burden, with nearly a third of global cases.
- All four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes circulate, causing recurrent outbreaks every 2-3 years.
- High seropositivity rates in India are influenced by age and geography.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore mechanisms driving DENV evolution in India.
- To investigate the role of transmission bottlenecks, host immunity, and coinfections.
- To assess the impact of DENV evolution on vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DENV evolution.
- Analysis of factors influencing viral genetic diversity.
- Examination of immunological pressures and cross-reactivity.
Main Results:
- DENV evolution is shaped by transmission bottlenecks and host immune responses.
- Antigenic changes and genotype replacement correlate with epidemic severity.
- Indian DENV genotypes show divergence and intermixing with neighboring regions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding DENV evolution is critical for dengue control in India.
- Preexisting immunity and coinfections complicate DENV transmission dynamics.
- DENV evolution poses challenges for effective vaccine development and deployment.
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