A research network to transform neurological flavivirus diagnostics in Asia.

Flaviviruses are a family of mosquito-transmitted viruses responsible for a high number of serious infections worldwide. Flaviviruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE) may infect the brain, leading to significant death and disability . Diagnosis is challenging because of similarities between flaviviruses, and the fact that they may be undetectable in the body during later stages of illness, making detection via the immune response necessary. However these tests are costly, require specialised laboratories and are inconsistent between countries. Better diagnostics are important for patient care and for interventions including vaccination and mosquito control. Accurate diagnosis is also a requirement to conduct new treatment trials in affected regions. We will set up a research network starting with a meeting in India to improve flavivirus diagnostics across Asia, focusing on brain infections like JE. This will link different experts including clinical researchers, doctors, virologists, patient groups and industry partners across the USA, Europe and Asia. The proposal will provide a unique opportunity for researchers of this neglected illness to collaborate and work alongside a wide range of expertise. The goals are to standardise flavivirus testing across sites in Asia through a method called seroneutralisation. This will improve local capacity and directly benefit patients. Reaching consensus on a set of standards for diagnostics via engagement with industry will take place alongside, building on extensive prior work. The central aim is that this network will allow local researchers to lead and carry out studies into new diagnostics and treatments for flavivirus infections.