Scientists have discovered new antibodies that neutralize viruses that cause dengue, potentially putting a universal vaccine within reach for a mosquito-borne illness that strikes an estimated 400 million people a year.
The antibodies are effective against all four dengue viruses, according to an article published Monday in Nature Immunology. A vaccine being developed by Sanofi has had mixed results, helping to protect people from three of the viruses in one trial, and in all four in a bigger study.
Dengue is carried by mosquitoes and is common in the tropics, with Brazil and Indonesia reporting the most cases. About a quarter of those infected develop symptoms, with most enduring pain and a fever that lasts about a week. The most severe cases develop hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. About 20,000 people die from dengue each year, according to the World Health Organization.