Knowledge transfer of new techniques for defining factors influencing Dengue/Zika infection evolution in Cuba

Arboviruses such as dengue (DENV) and zika (ZIKV) viruses are a major concern in tropical and subtropical countries such as Cuba where the arthropod vector Aedes is widespread. They are also of increasing interest in other regions (Europe, US…) as climate change and globalization extend the dispersion of the vector and viruses. Remarkably, humans respond very differently to these viruses, from absence of symptoms to hemorrhagic fever (DENV) and neonatal malformations/neurological disorders (ZIKV). Belgian and Cuban scientists will collaborate on the identification of study populations, based on an expected difference in susceptibilities of Cuban population groups inhabiting different provinces and exposed to different diets and natural (medical) products or toxins, and define factors estimated to influence infection evolution. Cuban scientists from the IPK (Havana) or UO (Santiago de Cuba) will learn state-of-the-art epigenetics/proteomics techniques in Belgium and will further disseminate theses in Cuba by means of courses/seminars organized by them or in collaboration with the Belgian partners.