Scientific working group on dengue
Meeting report. 3-5 April 2000, Geneva, Switzerland
Summary
Research needs in dengue prevention and control, and the directions that TDR research should take, were the subject of a Scientific Working Group meeting in April 2000. The group recommended that efforts be focused on reducing the mortality and morbidity caused by dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), with TDR focusing on:
- pathogenesis on DHF, including cellular and humoral immunology, factors that predict the onset of DHF, and viral virulence;
- entomology, including research on molecular/genetic methods to reduce populations of the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, and transmission of the four dengue viruses;
- social, economic and behavioural research, and implementation research, to develop community-based mosquito control strategies and identify appropriate behaviour change with regard to mosquito control;
- developing new diagnostic tools and new treatment approaches;
- accelerating development of current vaccine candidates;
- building capacity in all areas of dengue research.
This meeting report sets out the priorities in dengue research as determined by the group, and separates activities most appropriate for other players from research where TDR has a comparative advantage. A list of participants is given in an annex.