The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is launching a programme to promote and accelerate research activities in containing dengue disease and enhance the capacity and capability of those committed to dengue research.

Establishment of dengue laboratory network programme with defined gene amplifications for understanding the genotypes, serotypes, strengthening regional laboratories for rapid and confirmatory diagnosis of suspected dengue cases, development of integrated companion diagnostic tests (Ag/Ab) and new rapid point of care diagnostic test systems and validation, and novel strategies for vaccine development will be promoted under the initiative.

It will also enable utilisation of primary human cell targets to understand the translational data on platelet, monocytes, DCs, and endothelial cells by using stem cell  technology, studies on pathogenic antibodies in dengue haemorrhagic fever (their generation, specificity, regulation, seroepidemiology, etc.), development of advanced research programme on platelet pathology and study on molecular markers of neurotropism and vector preference.

“The programme emphasis is to accelerate research that will generate knowledge,  develop technologies to provide the basis for dengue prevention and control,” said the DBT while inviting proposals in this regard.

The Department will be giving preference to multi-centric proposals and asked the interested scientists and agencies to highlight the purpose of collaboration while applying for the assistance from the government in the research.

Dengue has been identified by the DBT as one of the priority areas for developing vaccine and several initiatives were taken up to advance the research on the area.  According to some reports, India accounts for nearly one-third of all dengue cases reported globally. The global number of such infections per year is 390 million.