DENCO

EC contribution

: € 2 499 779

Duration

: 48 months

Starting date

: 01/11/2005

Instrument

: STREP

Keywords

: dengue, vector control, case classification, pathogenesis, immune response, acceptance, cost effectiveness

Project Number

: INCO-CT-2005-517708

Basic research, implementation research and the interface of research and policy are components of the DENCO study (WP=Work Package; P1-9 = partners 1-9)

Problem:

An alarming global spread of dengue disease has been ongoing in the last decades with a substantial social and economic burden placed on both individuals and their societies. This mosquito-borne disease is a major threat to public health throughout South-East Asia and Latin America.

Aim:

The comprehensive research agenda is aimed at advancing our understanding of dengue pathogenesis and providing better tools for dengue control.

Expected results:

1. Objective 1: Viral and host determinants contributing to the pathogenesis of disease will be identified through the correlation of disease progression, dengue virus genetic markers and human immune factors.
2. Objective 2: The case classification for dengue disease will be improved and clinical management guidelines reviewed.
3. Objective 3: The efficacy of novel vector control methods will be demonstrated.
4. Objective 4: Acceptability, sustainability, cost and effectiveness for implementation of different vector control tools will be determined and the superior strategy or strategies identified.
5. Objective 5: Approval of revised dengue classification/case management and inclusion of the new vector control methods into modified guidelines by WHO regional offices and headquarters will be facilitated.

Potential applications:

The process of updating the global dengue guidelines was initiated by the WHO in late 2006 and is continued through 2008. The findings of the clinical part of the DENCO study can contribute to the re-shaping of dengue prevention and control in the near future. The empirically based outcome of severe disease, which is being validated in the clinical studies, will also have implications on the design of pathogenesis studies and vaccine studies.

The findings of the studies on vector control efficacy and acceptability will be important in order to inform policy in DECs. Pathogenesis studies will lead to an increase in knowledge about viral factors correlated with severe disease over a wide geographic range (seven countries in two continents).

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