Antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue virus growth in human monocytes as a risk factor for dengue hemorrhagic fever

S. C. Kliks, A. Nisalak, W. E. Brandt, L. Wahl, D. S. Burke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

396 Scopus citations

Abstract

Serum specimens collected during a prospective study of dengue infections among schoolchildren in Bangkok were tested for their ability to enhance dengue 2 (DEN-2) virus growth in human monocytes in vitro. Two groups of dengue-immune sera were compared: 32 dengue antibody positive serum specimens from children who subsequently developed asymptomatic secondary dengue infections; and 9 dengue antibody positive serum specimens from children who subsequently developed severe symptomatic secondary dengue infections, 8 of which were clinically diagnosed as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Antibody-dependent enhancement of virus growth was quantitated by measurement of virus yields in supernatant fluids of normal human monocyte cultures that were infected with DEN-2 virus in the presence of undiluted test serum. Only 4 of 32 (12%) preinfection sera from asymptomatic children, but 6 of 9 (67%) preinfection sera from symptomatic children, had significant enhancing activity (P < 0.001). High serum DEN-2 antibody dependent enhancing activity is a significant (relative risk = 6.2) risk factor for severe illness among children in a dengue hemorrhagic fever endemic region. Dengue antibodies can be neutralizing and therefore protective, or they can be enhancing and increase the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)444-451
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume40
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

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