Sustainable dengue prevention and control

Dengue, the most rapidly expanding viral disease in S-East Asia and Latin America, is a major neglected and uncontrolled disease. This project will provide new knowledge, tools and strategies in 3 key areas: 1. Improved knowledge of the immunopathology of severe dengue contributing to the development of a safe and efficacious vaccine and eventually to improved treatment 2. Improved case-management through a modified dengue case definition and treatment guidelines and eventually the identification of early w arning signs for severe disease 3. Improved protection from disease transmission by means of novel vector control tools which are applied through a new cost-effective strategy The specific objectives of the project are: 1.To create new knowledge about viru s genetic factors of virulence, immune response and pathophysiological mechanisms across regions (SE Asia and LA) relevant to clinical management of severe disease and vaccine development 2a) To obtain a clear distinction between dengue and severe dengue b y developing an evidence-based case classification procedure 2b) To develop case management guidelines that will use the revised case classification and subsequently reduce morbidity and mortality 3.To test novel vector control tools (long-lasting insectic ide treated curtains and/or water container overs and/or slow-release insect growth regulators) which reduce vector densities below epidemic threshold levels 4.To assess key strategies which deliver new vector control tools regarding their cost-effectivene ss,acceptability and sustainability in contrasting environments 5.To demonstrate and document the timely translation of research findings into policy and practice (clinical as well as control) The 5 work packages related to these objectives are designed by a multidisciplinary team of scientists from disease endemic countries in SE Asia, LA and from Europe.