Tang, Xiao, Wu recently published their work on a
mathematical model that predicts how dengue vaccination can exacerbate the incidence
of zika during peak outbreak. It is well known that zika and dengue are both
flavirviruses transmitted by mosquitos and are present in tropical and
subtropical regions of the world.
Recent studies have shown that antibodies to dengue can
actually facilitate zika infection. Dengue and zika co-infection has been
documented in a handful of cases in South America, and there is reason to
suspect that co-infection may be on the rise.
The model predicted that vaccination against dengue is
associated with heightened zika infection, a greater number of people infected
at the peak of the outbreak, and an earlier peak of outbreak when there are
10,000 or more infected mosquitos. Fortunately, the model emphasized decreased
risk of these outcomes with shorter mosquito lifespans.
The researchers concluded that more research is warranted exploring
the relationship between dengue and zika co-infection and also between dengue
vaccine and zika infection. Additionally, the researchers suggest continuing
mosquito control measures in the interim.
Read more here: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep35623
-->
~Jazzmin
No comments:
Post a Comment