Mapping genes & genomes: a molecular approach for epidemiological insight and targeted dengue control in Singapore

摘要

Background: Dengue control rides solely on the suppression of vector populations as there is no alternative way to occlude Dengue virus (DENV) infection at present. In-depth understanding of virus-host interactions, vector biology and ecology facilitates such an indirect approach that targets to minimize the disease burden in endemic regions. Based on this fundamental, dengue control in Singapore utilizes an evidence-based decision support system inclusive of major elements of the disease cycle: host (case and entomological surveillance), pathogen (virus surveillance) and environment (ecological information).