The ongoing surveillance of the ever-changing SARS-CoV-2 virus has proven to be crucial in our battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. It not only aids in the identification of new variants but also in tracking their spread and developing targeted vaccines. A similar approach is utilized in the development of annual flu shots.
However, this endeavor necessitates a well-structured naming system for new variants to ensure universal comprehension and communication among all parties involved in the study and tracking of viruses. Up until now, the dengue virus, the most prevalent mosquito-borne illness globally, with over 12 million reported cases this year alone, has been lacking an effective naming system.
Now, a team of Yale researchers and scientists from 14 other countries have introduced a new system of dengue lineages. This system is poised to revolutionize tracking and vaccine development efforts. Their findings, detailed in a study published in the esteemed journal PLOS Biology, mark a significant leap forward in our fight against dengue fever.
The dengue virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a significant threat as it can lead to high fever, severe body aches, nausea, and a debilitating rash in those who are infected. Furthermore, in severe cases, it can prove to be fatal.
Although dengue is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates, there has been a notable increase in outbreaks within these regions in recent years. Alarmingly, the virus has also extended its reach beyond these areas. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported almost 4.6 million cases of dengue infection in the Americas, making it the most heavily impacted region. Shockingly, the number has soared to over 11.7 million this year. Even countries that have historically been spared from dengue, such as the United States and Italy, are now facing the threat of the virus.
“From a public health perspective and from a vaccine development perspective, dengue virus genomic surveillance data is critically needed,” said Nathan Grubaugh, associate professor of epidemiology (microbial diseases) at Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) and senior author of the study. “But so far, the way we’ve organized dengue virus genomic data has been too broad to offer useful information.”
Researchers have long grappled with the challenge of categorizing and tracking various data, particularly in the context of dengue virus genomic sequencing. The existing disparate naming systems have led to confusion and hindered collaborative efforts. However, a groundbreaking solution is on the horizon.
Dr. Grubaugh and Dr. Verity Hill have spearheaded a global initiative to revolutionize the naming system for dengue virus variants. Their innovative approach involves redefining genotype standards and introducing new sub-genotype classifications, paving the way for more effective study and surveillance of potentially harmful variants.
This monumental effort has garnered widespread support from the international research community, signaling a significant step forward in the fight against dengue infections. As new vaccines are being introduced, the need for a unified naming system has never been more pressing.
“With broad categories, it can look like regions are affected by just one or two versions of the virus,” said Hill. “But with this increased resolution, we start to see a number of lineages that are circulating around regions.”
International colleagues are in unanimous agreement that this groundbreaking system will be absolutely crucial for effectively monitoring the escalating viral threat.
“The new lineage system we developed provides a crucial tool for understanding the genetic diversity of the dengue virus and enhances our ability to track viral spread and evolution,” said Anderson F. Brito, a virologist at the All for Health Institute in São Paulo, Brazil, co-author of the study, and former postdoctoral researcher at YSPH. “In countries like Brazil, where dengue is a serious public health challenge, this system helps identify emerging lineages and better predict outbreak impacts. Additionally, it allows us to monitor how viral lineages may affect the efficacy of a new dengue vaccine, first deployed months ago in Brazil.”
Furthermore, the researchers have unveiled a website that provides information on the new naming system, offers access to research resources, and encourages others to propose new lineages based on their own genomic work.
“We’ll have a committee that meets yearly to designate new lineages based on submitted data,” said Hill.
Journal reference:
- Verity Hill et al. A new lineage nomenclature to aid genomic surveillance of dengue virus. PLOS Biology, 2024; DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002834