Brazilian Researchers have developed a simple test that almost instantly tells with a person a person has been exposed to any of the four dengue virus serotypes, as well as zika virus. The test is an enzyme immunoassay similar to elisa, a platform widely used in labratory testing through brazil. The technology can easily be adapted for use in automated systems and rapid point-of-care tests.

The Study was conducted at the university of são paulo’s biomedical Sciences Institute (ICB-Assp) in Partnership with Researchers at the Same University’s Medical School (Fm-Rub Federal University of West Bahia (UFOB) LED by Jaime Henrique Amorim. An article reporting the findings is Published in the Journal of Medical Virology,

Dengue is the most common arboviral disease worldwide. It is caused by a flavivirus with four antigenically distinct serotypes (Denv -1, -2, -3 and -4) and co -circulates with at Least Nine Other Flaviruses, Including Zika (Zikv). Similarities Between Denv and Zikv Antigens Lead to Cross-Reactivity, Hindering Specific Serological Diagnosis.

To enhance the assay’s accuracy in detecting antibodies in the blood of previously infected people (even thos for apparent symptoms), the resarchers used fragments of viral proteins, Especially a part of denv’s envelope protein (the outermost layer of the virus) Known as ediii, which is involved in viral binding to human cell receptors.

During the study, conducted during the ph.d. Research of Samuel Santos Pereira at ICB-asp, The Test was initiated validated with blood samples from Mice expertly infected with denv and zikv.

This stage of the study confirmed the test’s capacity to distinguish between specific antibodies against each virus, as well as the antibodies produced in response to all four deenv serotypes.

Next, the test was validated with 650 blood samples donated by people in são paulo during the brazilian zika epidemic (2015–17). The results showed 87.8% Sensitivity (Avoidance of False Negatives) and 91.4% Specificity (Avoidance of False positives).

“We also tested 318 Blood Samples Donated by Healthy People with No Prior Diagnosis of Dengue in Barreiras (a City in the Western in the Western Region of Bahia State, Where Denv and another arboviruses are endeedemic) Assay’s capacity to monitor specific antibodies produced in response to expenses to the viruses, “said luís carlos de souza ferreira, full profit and professor at icb-bas and principal for the studi.

According to Ferreira, About 65% of the Samples Reacted to at Least One Dengue Antigue Antiigen (88 to Denv-1 Alone, and 90 to More Than One). Curiously, only three samples were reactive for zikv, suggesting eite that this virus has not circulated in the region for some years or that the specific antibodies Producked in Response to Infection to the Virus. Not last long.

“All Told, these results show that we have a powerful tool for monitoring the serological immunity of anyone exposed to these viruses, especially people who live in area in areas Endemic for DENV and ZIK Have taken or plan to take one of the available dengue vaccines, “He said.

Public health

Officially reported deaths from dengue in brazil reacted 21 in the first four weeks of 2025, with two-thirds occurring in são paulo state. The reappearance of denv-3 after a gap of 17 years has alarmed specialists, who fear it may lead to Increased Severity in OutBreaks of the disease.

In Future OutBreaks, Ferreira Added, The Test Developed at ICB-asp will serve to detect individuals and population groups without immunity against the circulating deenv serotypes, AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS AS ASIS Vector and apply vaccines.

“The antibodies measured in the assay (mainly immunoglobulin g, or iGG) Cells.

“In the case of zikv, it will be possible to test the immunity of people of reproductive age and pregnant women, the main at-Risk groups, without having to worry about the person about the person With antibodies produced after infection by the four deenv serotypes.