How past Zika infection changes dengue immunity and test results
Living in the post-Zika world: Impact of interactions between dengue and Zika viruses on diagnostics, antibody dynamics, and correlates of disease risk
This project looks at whether past Zika infection changes antibody responses, the accuracy of blood tests, and how sick children get from dengue in Nicaragua.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11078705 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would be part of a long-term community study that follows children in Managua and uses blood samples, illness records, and lab tests to track past Zika and dengue infections. Researchers compare antibody patterns over time to see how Zika exposure affects immune responses to dengue. They also work to improve diagnostic tests so doctors can tell the infections apart more reliably. The team uses data from thousands of children already enrolled in the Pediatric Dengue Cohort to draw these conclusions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children living in dengue- and Zika-affected areas such as Managua, Nicaragua, especially those already enrolled in the Pediatric Dengue Cohort or with a history of Zika/dengue exposure.
Not a fit: People who live outside areas where dengue and Zika circulate or adults with no prior exposure are less likely to benefit directly from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors interpret dengue and Zika tests better, predict who is at higher risk for severe dengue, and guide safer vaccine use.
How similar studies have performed: Long-term dengue cohort studies have produced important insights before, but using those data to define how Zika immunity alters later dengue severity and diagnostics is still an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Eva — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Harris, Eva
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.