Biofootprints

Connecting Science and Society

What is Biofootprints?

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Biofootprints is a not-for-profit society that aims at science promotion and popularization in society, as well as philanthropic activities for the benefit of mankind.

What do we do?

We promote scientific knowledge and foster a scientific way of thinking among common people.. We advance state-of-the-art science through communication, cooperation, and collaboration among basic and clinical researchers through conferences, workshops, and webinars

World Neglected Tropical Disease Day | Dr Sonu Gandhi

Importance of Science Communication | Dr SK Varshney

Technology, Science and Future of Health | Prof Anurag Agrawal

Direct Evolution of Protein Binders for a wide range of biomedical applications | Dr Petr Maly

Glaucoma: The sneaky thief of Vision | Dr Mohita Sharma

Lets talk about Obesity | Dr Naval Vikram

How to keep the heart healthy | Dr Amit Hooda

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BIOFOOTPRINTS celebrates

World Neglected Tropical Disease Day (January 30, 2024)

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) comprise over 20 diseases caused by various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites etc. and afflict nearly 2 billion individuals worldwide. These "neglected" diseases are more prevalent in impoverished and marginalized communities of Africa and Asia due to limited resources, unsanitary conditions, inadequate healthcare systems and direct contact with vectors facilitating disease transmission. NTDs inflict a substantial toll on individuals - impairing routine tasks, reducing work efficiency, inducing societal stigma, contributing to poverty, causing economic losses, increasing school drop-outs, and engendering a sense of burden on affected families. The World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day celebrated each year on 30th January, signifies an annual commitment of over 300 organizations from diverse sectors and countries to unite, raise awareness and work collectively for eliminating NTDs by 2030. NTDs have been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) into - viral infections (Dengue, Chikungunya, and Rabies), bacterial infections (Buruli ulcer, Leprosy, Trachoma, and Yaws), fungal infections (Mycetoma, Chromoblastomycosis, and other deep mycoses), protozoan infections (Chagas disease, Human African trypanosomiasis, and Leishmaniasis), helminth infections (Echinococcosis, Foodborne Trematodiases, Lymphatic filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil-transmitted helminthiases, and Taeniasis/Cysticercosis), ectoparasite infections (Scabies), and non-infectious diseases (Snakebite envenoming). This discussion will focus on the viral NTD Dengue, exploring its prevalence in India, current diagnostic methods, and the potential for developing more efficient diagnostic tests in the future.

Dengue viruses, part of the Flavivirus genus and Flaviviridae family, are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. Serologically, they are categorized into four types: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. A significant global ten-fold rise to 5.2 million cases from 2000 to 2019 was reported by WHO. Despite a temporary decline from 2020 to 2022 due to COVID-19, a resurgence occurred in 2023. All four serotypes were detected in the US and 9 other nations, with DEN-3 and DEN-4 prevailing more recently. WHO identifies India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, etc. in the top 30 most highly endemic countries for dengue globally. In 2023, a surge in dengue cases was observed in Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Kerala, and North-eastern Indian states. India documented over 193,000 cases and 346 fatalities in 2021, surpassing 2020's deaths by five times.

Dengue transmission exhibits a cyclic pattern, resulting in significant outbreaks every 3-4 years. The four serotypes cause asymptomatic low-grade fever to classical dengue fever and more grave symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and bleeding gums. The incubation period usually lasts 3–7 days but may extend to 14 days. Diagnosis involves detecting the DENV antigen NS1 or anti-DENV IgM antibodies through tests like ELISAs and rapid diagnostic tests. Commercial tests, including the SD BIOLINE Dengue Duo Rapid Test Kit and ASSURE Dengue IgA Rapid test, etc., are available. The world's first dengue vaccine – Dengvaxia was approved in 2015. Albumin-based nanoparticle therapy, combined with NS1 antibodies, has also been employed for dengue fever diagnosis. However, developing more efficient diagnostic tests with minimal cross-reactivity against similar Arboviral infections, including Chikungunya, Zika, Japanese encephalitis, Jungle yellow fever, etc. is crucial for eradicating this deadly NTD.

Dr Sonu Gandhi

Scientist E

National Institute of Animal Biotechnology

Hyderabad-50032