Regional molecular epidemiology of dengue and the potential optimization of its control through the use of vaccines. Report of the Arbovirus Committee of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, SLIPE.

Abstract

Introduction: Dengue disease represents a large and growing global threat to public health, accounting for a significant burden to health systems of endemic countries. The World Health Organization's (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) currently recommend the use of TAK-003 dengue vaccine in high dengue burden and transmission settings for countries considering vaccination as part of their integrated management strategy for prevention and control of Dengue.

Areas covered: This paper describes the main conclusions of a workshop held by the Arbovirus Committee of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SLIPE) in November 2023, to generate consensus recommendations on the introduction of this new vaccine in the region. Considerations were made regarding the molecular epidemiology of dengue infection in the Americas and the need for more precise phylogenetic classification and correlation with clinical outcome and disease severity.

Expert opinion: Introduction of dengue vaccine should be considered as an strategy for health entities in the region, with participation of social sectors, scientific societies, and ministries of health that could be able to create a successful vaccination program.