The summer of 2023/2024 was marked by the largest dengue epidemic ever recorded in Argentina: 583,297 cases were confirmed and 419 deaths recorded. The disease was present year-round, with infections even in winter, in provinces such as Chaco and Formosa, which already have indigenous circulation of the virus that causes the disease. There are already eight jurisdictions in the country where indigenous cases of dengue have been recorded: City of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Tucumán, Salta, Santa Fe, Province of Buenos Aires, Entre Ríos and Mendoza. Throughout the American continent, and according to data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the year.
2023 was the year with the highest historical report of dengue cases in the region, with more than 4.1 million new infections. These figures exceed those of 2019. As of September 9, more than 11.7 million cases of dengue have been reported in America, more than double the number in 2023. “The four serotypes of the virus are circulating in the region, which increases the risk of serious illnesses”, warns a document from the health organization. “The Southern Cone has seen significant growth in cases, with increases of more than 250% compared to the same period last year.” Across America there have been 7,399 dengue deaths this year.
It is in this context that the National Administration of Medicines, Food and Medical Technologies (ANMAT) has approved the Detect-AR Dengue TEST ELISA NS1 kit, the first national antigen test for the diagnosis of the disease. Developed in the Molecular Virology Laboratory directed by CONICET researcher Andrea Gamarnik, at the Leloir Institute, the new test is intended for clinical analysis laboratories, to be used by qualified personnel. It will be produced and marketed by the Lemos Laboratory and one of the main objectives is to resolve the lack of supplies in the face of a possible new health crisis.
“Before we started working on this development, we conducted a survey among specialists in clinical analysis laboratories to understand what the urgent needs were regarding the diagnosis of dengue and the need to be able to detect the NS1 viral antigen was overwhelming” , explains Gamarnik. “There are two main methods to diagnose dengue: one detects the presence of the virus proteins in the blood; the other, the viral RNA through molecular techniques such as PCR. Both are complementary.”
Jorge Carradori, technical director of the Lemos Laboratory, underlines that “the kit whose commercial name registered with ANMAT is Detect-AR Dengue TEST by ELISA NS1, is intended exclusively for professional use in in vitro diagnosis by healthcare professionals, in particular clinical analysis laboratories. It is not for the general public, therefore it will not be sold in pharmacies. The kit will soon be available throughout the country. We are intensifying its development to provide it to the entire community that requests it in our country export”.
The kit allows you to establish infection with any of the four serotypes of the virus by identifying the NS1 viral protein in patients in the acute phase of the disease. The result is obtained in three hours and up to 92 samples can be processed simultaneously.
Gamarnik points out: “In cases where the test can give false positives or negatives, the performance of the kit was studied with many positive and negative samples, and this analysis showed a sensitivity of 98% (which evaluates whether there are false negatives) . and a specificity of 99% (which evaluates whether it has false positives). We are very satisfied with this performance and it is comparable to the best imported kits that have been used in our country.”
Gamarnik: Dengue infections are asymptomatic in about 75% of cases and then go unnoticed, without diagnosis. The kit we have developed is capable of detecting the presence of a viral protein in samples from people who have the infection symptomatically or asymptoticly. So, healthcare professionals indicate testing against the appearance of symptoms. The test can detect the infection over a period that can extend up to approximately 10 days from the onset of symptoms. Symptoms of dengue are fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, but in some situations dengue infections can cause severe bleeding. In these situations, an early diagnosis is essential so that healthcare professionals can adequately manage the case. Additionally, early detection of a dengue infection allows you to take preventative measures that help stop the spread of the epidemic. “We remind you that the infection is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes a Egypti), which acquires the virus by biting an already infected person. Preventing infected people from coming into contact with mosquitoes is essential to control the spread of a ‘epidemic,’ adds the researcher.
Experience. Both Andrea Gamarnik, her team of researchers and the Lemos Laboratory have previous experiences that have been enriched during the Covid-19 pandemic. “We then formed multidisciplinary working groups in which CONICET researchers, health workers and health authorities participated. The work we carried out during the pandemic left us with many lessons,” recalls Gamarnik. And he specifies: “Perhaps one of the most important was the creation of these collaboration networks between different actors in the scientific and healthcare system. This communication and cooperation based on trust between different actors is something very precious, the connection has been established and this This year helped us identify what the needs were for diagnosing dengue infections. Based on these interactions and with the impetus of a program of the former Ministry of Science, the High Impact Federal Networks Program, we implemented the development which has now been approved by ANMAT”.
Lemos, for its part, was already specialized in immunodiagnostic products with particular interest in Chagas disease and toxoplasmosis. “It achieved an exceptional performance during the pandemic, in which it co-developed, in record time together with CONICET, the Fundación Instituto Leloir and the University of San Martín, the first COVIDAR kit of the national line for the detection of specific antibodies. Today, based on «This pandemic is considered controlled, its preparation and delivery is limited», explains Carradori He also emphasizes that ”the development of this kit for the detection of dengue is the result of joint work public-private composed of an extraordinary human group, led by Andrea Gamarnik, whose interaction was synergistic and improved in their scientific knowledge”.
What is the future work of the research group? “This year we have many challenges, we want to continue generating tools that allow us to have information on the dengue situation in our country. For example, we are now trying to develop a new kit that allows us to measure specific antibodies against dengue. This it will give us epidemiological information to know how many people in our population have been infected”, explains the virologist.
And she adds worriedly: “But the reality is that we find ourselves in a moment of great uncertainty because the financing of the selected projects is not granted to us by the Scientific Promotion Agency, called PICTs, and we have no response from the authorities of that Agency. , we still have no certainty about the payment of the second year of the federal networks program (projects originally planned for four years). This adds to the paralysis in the career entry of CONICET researchers.
What are the key features of the Detect-AR Dengue TEST developed by Andrea Gamarnik?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Andrea Gamarnik, CONICET Researcher and Developer of the Detect-AR Dengue TEST
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Gamarnik. Thank you for joining us today. The summer of 2023/2024 brought unprecedented challenges in Argentina with the largest dengue epidemic recorded. Can you tell us what motivated the development of the Detect-AR Dengue TEST?
Andrea Gamarnik: Thank you for having me. The alarming surge in dengue cases—583,297 confirmed infections and 419 deaths in just one season—highlighted an urgent need for better diagnostic tools. Our initial surveys showed that healthcare professionals desperately needed a reliable way to detect the NS1 antigen, especially since approximately 75% of dengue infections are asymptomatic and can go unnoticed.
Editor: That’s quite concerning. The statistics you mention indicate a drastic increase in cases across the continent. How does the Detect-AR Dengue TEST work, and what sets it apart from other diagnostic methods?
Andrea Gamarnik: Our test is designed to detect the NS1 viral protein in patients during the acute phase of dengue infection. This is pivotal because it identifies the presence of the virus, allowing for a speedy diagnosis—in just three hours, with the capacity to test up to 92 samples simultaneously. It utilizes ELISA technology, which has shown a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 99%, meaning it significantly minimizes the chances of false results compared to existing tests.
Editor: That level of accuracy is impressive. Can you explain the importance of early diagnosis in cases of dengue fever?
Andrea Gamarnik: Early diagnosis is critical. Dengue can cause severe bleeding in some cases, and timely medical intervention can prevent complications. Moreover, identifying infected individuals early helps implement preventive measures to curb the epidemic’s spread. The quicker we can diagnose and isolate cases, the more effective our response will be.
Editor: Speaking of prevention, the transmission of dengue primarily occurs through mosquito bites. What public health strategies could be implemented alongside the introduction of this new test to combat future outbreaks?
Andrea Gamarnik: Absolutely, vector control is crucial. Public health campaigns must focus on educating the community about eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using repellents, and encouraging behavioral changes. Collaborating with local health authorities to assess areas most at risk for outbreaks can also allow for targeted interventions.
Editor: Collaboration seems to be an essential theme in your work. You mentioned this was enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. How did those experiences shape the development of your dengue test?
Andrea Gamarnik: The pandemic taught us invaluable lessons about cooperation across various sectors. We formed multidisciplinary teams involving researchers, health workers, and authorities, fostering an environment of trust and shared goals. This collaborative spirit enabled us to swiftly identify the pressing needs in dengue diagnostics and ultimately led to the successful development of the Detect-AR Dengue TEST.
Editor: It’s inspiring to see science and community efforts come together. In your view, what steps should be taken to ensure this new diagnostic tool reaches the communities that need it most in Argentina?
Andrea Gamarnik: It is essential to ensure accessibility to the test in clinical laboratories across the country. We are working with Lemos Laboratory to ramp up production for widespread distribution. Additionally, training for healthcare professionals on how to use the test effectively will be critical. Continued education on dengue prevention and control will also help reinforce this effort.
Editor: That sounds like a comprehensive plan. what role do you see technology playing in future efforts to combat dengue and other infectious diseases?
Andrea Gamarnik: Technology has tremendous potential to enhance our response to infectious diseases. From rapid diagnostic kits like ours to drones for monitoring mosquito populations, technology can revolutionize how we detect, respond to, and ultimately prevent outbreaks. Continuous investment in research and public health technology will be essential to stay ahead of emerging health threats.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gamarnik, for sharing your insights with us today. Your work in dengue research is critical as we face larger epidemic challenges. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of the Detect-AR Dengue TEST!
Andrea Gamarnik: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to discuss this vital topic, and I hope it raises awareness and encourages continued action against dengue and similar diseases.