Summary

Dengue virus is expanding globally under the combined influence of climate change, urbanization, human mobility, vector ecology, and interactions with other arboviruses. In this 45-minute webinar we discuss recent genomic and epidemiologic findings from two studies focused on dengue virus dynamics in Thailand and Jamaica. The Thailand study highlights how climate-driven mosquito suitability, inter-serotype competition, endemic diversification, and chikungunya virus interactions shape dengue transmission patterns. The Jamaica study illustrates how genomic surveillance identified the emergence, introduction, and local diversification of DENV-3 genotype III during the 2018-2020 epidemic. Together, these studies demonstrate the value of APDC-supported molecular surveillance for tracking dengue evolution, identifying regional and international spread, and anticipating public health threats. The final section focuses on how dengue genetic diversity, serotype/genotype emergence, and ongoing viral evolution create challenges for current molecular diagnostics and reinforce the need for inclusive, surveillance-informed assay design.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how climate and vector suitability influence dengue transmission, using Thailand as an example of seasonal and spatially structured dengue dynamics.
• Describe how dengue serotype co-circulation and inter-serotype competition contribute to endemic persistence, lineage diversification, and evolutionary equilibrium.
• Discuss how other arboviruses, particularly chikungunya virus and Zika virus, may alter dengue transmission through vector competition, viral interference, or partial immune interactions.
• Interpret genomic surveillance findings from Jamaica showing the introduction, local diversification, and epidemic expansion of DENV-3 genotype III.
• Recognize the role of APDC surveillance in linking genomic data, epidemiology, and identification of key diagnostic challenges created by dengue diversity.

CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS

• One Professional Acknowledgment for Continuing Education (P.A.C.E.^®) contact hour will be provided for this intermediate level complimentary webinar until June 30, 2027. Rapid Diagnostics at Abbott is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.^® Program.
• Please click on the “Instructions to Claim P.A.C.E.^® Credits” below and view the webinar in its entirety to claim credits.
• For participants outside the United States, the recognition of P.A.C.E.^® credits is subject to the discretion of the respective national licensing authority, certification agency, or other relevant governing body.

Lester J. Perez, PhD
Principal Scientist I
Virus Discovery Group,
Infectious Disease Research
Abbott Diagnostics Division
Abbott Park, Illinois, USA

Who Should Watch

Physicians, Laboratory Supervisors, Laboratory Directors (and/or Assistant Directors), Laboratory Managers (Supervisory and/or Non-Supervisory), Medical Technologists, Hospital Admin/C-Suite, Other Laboratory Professionals Overseeing/Conducting within the Topic, Other HCPs