Arbovirus infections
Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya infection are becoming increasingly widespread as the Aedes mosquitoes become established in new areas around the world.
Chikungunya
Since 2005, chikungunya epidemics have circled the globe. It has become clear that around 40% of those with acute infections go on to develop chronic musculoskeletal and other sequelae, severely reducing quality of life in those affected. Although vaccines are becoming available, antiviral agents are lacking, and the unpredictable nature of the outbreaks poses many challenges to drug development.
Quayside Research has deep experience of investigating and understanding chikungunya disease.
Dengue
Dengue virus is endemic in many tropical parts of the world. Although manifesting only as an acute fever in many patients, progression to severe dengue illness can result in life-threatening complications. Current vaccines offer less than perfect protection, so effective antiviral treatments are a priority.
Investigation of household transmission suggests that this is a feasible intervention strategy for testing future antivirals.
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Other viruses of the Flavivirus and Togovirus families also have the potential to cause human disease. These include yellow fever virus, Zika virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, O'nyong nyong virus, Sindbis virus, and other mosquito-borne viruses, for which treatment options are lacking
"Antiviral intervention at the household level may be a viable strategy for the future ."
Hugh Watson, ECTMIH 2025, Hamburg, Germany