Defective Interfering Viral Particles in Acute Dengue Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Li Dongsheng, Lott William B., Lowry Kym, Jones Anita, Thu Hlaing Myat, Aaskov John
Primary Institution: Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Hypothesis
Are defective interfering (DI) viral particles present in acute dengue infections and do they play a role in viral replication?
Conclusion
This study provides evidence for the presence of defective interfering viral particles in acute dengue infections, which may influence the severity of the disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Identical RNA fragments were detected in mosquito cell cultures infected with dengue patient sera.
- Sub-genomic RNA was packaged in virus-like particles in the presence of wild type virus.
- DENV preparations enriched for DI particles reduced the yield of wild type dengue virus.
- This is the first report of DI particles in an acute arboviral infection in nature.
Takeaway
The study found tiny pieces of dengue virus RNA in patients that might help the virus spread less effectively, which could make people less sick.
Methodology
The study used modified 3′ RACE to detect sub-genomic RNA in patient sera and virus isolates.
Limitations
The sensitivity of the detection method may not have captured all instances of DI particles.
Participant Demographics
Patients infected with any of the four dengue virus serotypes.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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