Seminars

Dengue viruses (Flavivirus) are mosquito-borne human pathogens with a worldwide prevalence. There are four antigenically-related dengue virus serotypes, DEN-1 to DEN-4, which can cause serious problems of morbidity and mortality. Dengue is emerging rapidly as one of the most important public health problems in countries of the Asia-Pacific region with nearly 1.8 billion people in the region at risk, compared to an estimated total of 2.5 billion globally (WHO 2007). In India, dengue is now re-emerging as one of the most important health problems, with many outbreaks reported in different parts of the country during the past decade. The disease has resulted in widespread social and economic problems, especially among the poor who are the most vulnerable group. The lack of a dengue vaccine and antiviral drug makes it difficult to control and manage the disease. To combat dengue fever under the influence of global warming and climate change, multiple coping strategies including affordable vaccines, vector control, sanctions, law enforcement and public education are essential. This talk will present the development of a tetravalent dengue vaccine using tobacco plants as a green factory, and the social and economic benefits of the plant-production system will be discussed. Other coping strategies such as vector control and improvement of water quality will also be addressed.