Virology: Current Research

Dengue poses a significant global health threat, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Over time, scientists and innovators have been actively engaged in addressing various aspects of dengue prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The development of an effective dengue vaccine has been a primary focus of research efforts. Multiple vaccine candidates have been under development, targeting immunity against all four serotypes of the dengue virus. Innovations in controlling the Aedes aegypti mosquito, responsible for transmitting dengue, have included the utilization of genetically modified mosquitoes, novel insecticides, and community-driven approaches aimed at reducing mosquito breeding sites.

The nexus of climate change, air pollution, and the prevalence of asthma is a complex and concerning issue that has significant implications for public health globally. The impact of climate changes and air pollution on the prevalence of asthma in the general population and on the timing of asthma exacerbations, although the global rise in asthma prevalence and severity could also be an effect of air pollution and climate change. Since airborne allergens and air pollutants are frequently increased contemporaneously in the atmosphere, an enhanced IgE-mediated response to aeroallergens and enhanced airway inflammation could account for the increasing frequency of respiratory allergy and asthma in atopic subjects in the last 5 decades. Pollen allergy is frequently used to study the relationship between air pollution and respiratory allergic diseases, such as rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

Analyzing past trends of airborne diseases and forecasting future trajectories is essential for comprehending disease dynamics, preparing for potential outbreaks, and implementing effective public health measures. By examining historical patterns and considering present environmental and societal contexts, experts can gather valuable insights into the transmission, prevalence, and impact of airborne diseases. Reviewing historical data on ailments like tuberculosis, influenza, and COVID-19 offers critical information on disease dissemination, transmission pathways, affected demographics, and the efficacy of containment strategies. Through historical analysis, researchers can pinpoint trends, identify risk factors, and recognize vulnerabilities that might contribute to the emergence or resurgence of airborne diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has indeed brought to light various uncertainties and complexities regarding the transmission of respiratory pathogens among individuals. Traditionally, it was widely believed that respiratory pathogens primarily spread through large droplets generated during activities like coughing and sneezing, as well as via direct contact with contaminated surfaces, known as fomites. Numerous human studies and animal models have pointed to the involvement of various infectious agents in the development of vasculitis, particularly in susceptible individuals. However, the relationship between infection and vasculitis is exceedingly intricate and not yet fully comprehended. What makes it even more complex is that different agents can trigger the same type of vascularise, as is evident in the case of Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis. Conversely, the same infectious agent can evoke a wide spectrum of host responses.