They have found a specific biomarker which serves as an early and accurate prognosis of patients who have a higher risk of the more severe form of chikungunya fever, which is characterised by persistent joint pains.
This means doctors can now quickly and accurately identify patients at risk, and provide a more targeted treatment at the onset of the disease.
Chikungunya fever is caused by the chikungunya virus. It is a mosquito-borne, infectious disease endemic to Southeast Asia and Africa.
Since its re-emergence in 2005, the chikungunya virus infection has spread to nearly 20 countries to infect millions.
Singapore was hit twice by chikungunya fever outbreaks in January and August 2008.
Those who are infected with the virus develop sudden fever which is accompanied by severe muscle and joint pains.
Most patients recover within a week but in severe cases, the joint pains may persist for months, or even years. Those with a weak immune system could die from the disease.
There is no clinically-approved vaccine or treatment for chikungunya fever.
The research team, led by principal investigator Dr Lisa Ng, worked with Professor Leo Yee Sin and Dr Angela Chow from the Communicable Disease Centre at Tan Tock Seng Hospital to study how the human body responds to the chikungunya virus infection.
They discovered that patients who respond to the disease at the onset with high levels of Immunoglobulin G3 (IgG3), a naturally-acquired antibody, are protected from the more severe form of chikungunya fever.
On the other hand, those with a delayed IgG3 response generally have less acute symptoms at the start, but are more susceptible to chronic debilitating joint pains later on.
This led the team to identify IgG3 antibodies as a specific biomarker of patients who have increased risk of the severe form of chikungunya fever.
The team also collaborated with experts from A*STAR's Institute for Infocomm Research and uncovered a defined segment of the chikungunya viral protein, named "E2EP3".
The viral protein was able to induce protective response from IgG3 in pre-clinical models.
Mice vaccinated with the E2EP3 peptides were protected against the chikungunya virus with significant reduction in viral counts and joint inflammation.
The team said the finding raises hope for a new effective chikungunya vaccine that can offer protection against the chikungunya virus in the event of an outbreak.
Dr Ng said: "Long-term treatment required for the chronic joint pain in chikungunya-infected patients places social and economic burden for both patients and the public healthcare system.
"We are excited that the mechanistic insights gained through our collaborative research with the local hospitals and international research partners have led to discovery of 'new weapons' to tackle chikungunya more effectively."
Professor Paola Castagnoli, scientific director of Singapore Immunology Network, said: "With increasing threat of chikungunya virus infection, particularly in Asia and the Pacific region, this significant breakthrough is a step forward in enhancing our pandemic preparedness against the infectious disease.
"This is a testament to the successful collaborations between research scientists and clinicians in translating scientific discoveries into impactful healthcare solutions for the benefit of Singapore and beyond."
- CNA/al
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment