Dengue & Zika: Flaviviruses Overview

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Flaviviruses, specifically focusing on Dengue and Zika viruses, their transmission, symptoms, and vaccines.

Flaviviruses

A family of viruses that includes Dengue, Zika, Yellow Fever, and West Nile.

Flaviviridae

The family of single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that Flaviviruses belong to.

Dengue Virus

A virus transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause fever, severe disease, and is currently spreading locally in parts of the US.

Vector-borne Transmission

The method of disease transmission where the pathogen is transmitted from one host to another via vectors like mosquitoes.

Serotype

A group of organisms distinguished by shared specific antigens; Dengue Virus has four recognized serotypes (DENV1-4).

Antibody-dependent Enhancement (ADE)

A phenomenon where antibodies enhance virus infection rather than neutralizing it, leading to increased disease severity.

Wolbachia

A bacterium that infects many mosquito species and is used in efforts to control Dengue Virus transmission.

Zoonotic transmission

The process by which pathogens are transmitted from animals to humans; relevant for understanding Dengue Virus origins.

T cell responses

Immune responses involving T cells that may be suboptimal in certain DENV vaccines.

E protein

The protein on the surface of the virus that is a major target for antibody recognition.

Culex and Aedes

Two genera of mosquitoes, with Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus being primary vectors for Dengue.

Immunological status

The overall function and status of the immune system, influencing the severity of Dengue infections.

Hemorrhagic fever

A severe fever associated with bleeding, associated with some cases of Dengue.

Encephalitis

An inflammation of the brain that can be caused by specific viral infections, including some Flaviviruses.

Clinical symptoms of Dengue

Symptoms include high fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and musculoskeletal pain.

Genomic polyprotein

The precursor protein synthesized by Flaviviruses that is cleaved into functional viral proteins.

Dengue Fever

The mild form of Dengue disease, in contrast to severe forms which can include severe dengue and shock syndrome.

Cross-reactive immune responses

Immune responses generated against one serotype of Dengue that can also recognize other serotypes, potentially leading to complications.

Dengvaxia

A live attenuated vaccine designed to protect against all four serotypes of Dengue Virus.

Long-term protection

The desired outcome of a Dengue vaccine to provide effective immunity without enhancing infection.

Geographic range expansion

The phenomenon by which climate change and global connectivity allow vector species like mosquitoes to spread to new areas.