We are measuring dengue incidence in humans in a cohort study in Iquitos, Peru using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), which is considered a highly specific serological assay. However, following a heterologous flavivirus infection or yellow fever vaccination, sera may contain broadly cross-reactive antibodies. Questionnaire data were analyzed to determine if yellow fever vaccination history correlated with dengue seroconversion. The number of dengue seroconversions, determined by PRNT, were compared for individuals who reported receiving a yellow fever vaccination for the first time with individuals who reported never receiving a vaccination. The relative risk of dengue seroconversion was 0.76 for those vaccinated versus not vaccinated, which indicates that yellow fever vaccinations are not inflating dengue seroconversion rates. In order to assess the accuracy of vaccination history, a random subsample of sera was tested by PRNT against yellow fever virus. The median titer was less than or equal to 1:30 for those reporting no vaccination and 1:75 for those vaccinated. These results indicate that yellow fever vaccinations do not cofound dengue PRNTs.
Keywords: dengue, Yellow Fever
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