Explore essential Science GK for competitive exams like UPSC, GPSC, SSC, Bank PO, IBPS, Police Recruitment and all other Exams conducted for Government Jobs. Learn about the new dengue vaccine TAK-003, causes and symptoms of dengue, DNA vaccine and much more. Free PDF download available!
Scientific knowledge plays a vital role in competitive exams like UPSC, GPSC, State PSC, SSS and Bank exams. These exams not only test the candidate’s aptitude but also their awareness of current developments in science and technology. Having a solid understanding of science-related topics can give candidates a significant edge, especially in the General Knowledge (GK) sections, where questions often focus on recent advancements and their implications.
One such important topic is dengue, a global health challenge that affects millions of people every year. With no specific treatment for the disease, vaccines have emerged as the most effective way to reduce its impact. The new dengue vaccine, TAK-003 (Qdenga), has been a breakthrough in this fight, receiving pre-qualification from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2024. This development is a testament to the advancements being made in medical science to address global health concerns.
To make this information more accessible, we have provided a free downloadable PDF summarizing the key details of the TAK-003 vaccine, the nature of dengue, and the science behind DNA vaccines. This resource is designed to help students preparing for competitive exams understand the subject quickly and effectively, so that they can stay ahead in their preparation journey.
New Dengue Vaccine: TAK-003 (Qdenga)
The new dengue vaccine TAK-003, also known as Qdenga, represents an unprecedented advance in the global fight against dengue fever. Developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, this vaccine is designed to provide strong protection against all four types of dengue virus, making it a vital tool in combating this widespread and sometimes deadly disease. Here are the key details of TAK-003:
Key Highlights of TAK-003
1. Date of WHO Pre-Qualification TAK-003 Vaccine
- TAK-003 received pre-qualification from the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 10, 2024.
- This milestone signifies that the vaccine meets WHO standards for quality, safety, and efficacy, paving the way for its widespread adoption in areas badly affected by dengue.
2. Developer of TAK-003 Vaccine
- The vaccine has been developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a leading research-based pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan.
- Takeda is considered one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Asia and has a strong reputation for its innovative contributions to global healthcare.
3. Type of Vaccine
- TAK-003 is a live-attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains weakened forms of four dengue virus serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.
- This approach allows the immune system to recognize and respond to the virus, providing protection without causing disease.
Effectiveness
1. Hospitalization Prevention
- TAK-003 has proven to be 84% effective in preventing hospitalisation due to severe dengue infection.
- This level of efficacy could substantially reduce the burden on healthcare systems in dengue-prone areas.
2. Symptom Prevention
- This vaccine is 61% effective in preventing symptomatic dengue infection, including fever, joint pain, and severe headache.
- By reducing the severity of symptoms, TAK-003 could improve the quality of life of individuals in high-risk areas.
Target Audience
1. Age Group
WHO recommends TAK-003 for children aged 6 to 16 years. This age group is particularly vulnerable to dengue infection, especially in endemic areas.
2. Geographical Focus
- This vaccine is intended for use in areas with high dengue incidence, where the disease poses a significant public health risk.
- By prioritizing high-risk areas, TAK-003 could have a profound impact on reducing dengue-related morbidity and mortality.
TAK-003 is not only a scientific achievement but also a ray of hope for countries struggling to control dengue outbreaks. Its high effectiveness, especially in preventing severe cases and hospitalisation, makes it an essential addition to global dengue prevention strategies.
Understanding Dengue
Dengue is one of the most prevalent mosquito-borne viral infections worldwide, causing significant public health concerns, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. With millions of cases reported each year, understanding the disease is vital for both prevention and effective management.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which belongs to the genus Flavivirus. It is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, with Aedes aegypti being the primary vector.
The dengue virus has four distinct serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. A person infected with one serotype gains immunity to that specific serotype but remains susceptible to the others. This makes repeated infections possible, which can sometimes lead to severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Symptoms of Dengue
Dengue has many symptoms, which can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include:
1. Sudden high fever
- A hallmark of a dengue infection, the fever can rise to 104°F (40°C) and last for several days.
2. Severe headache and eye pain
- Intense pain behind the eyes is a typical symptom of dengue.
3. Joint and muscle pain
- Known as “breakbone fever,” dengue causes debilitating pain in the bones, joints, and muscles.
4. Other symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Skin rash, which may appear a few days after the fever begins.
- Fatigue and weakness.
In severe cases, dengue can turn into dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which require immediate medical attention.
Other Diseases Caused by Aedes Mosquitoes
In addition to spreading dengue, the Aedes mosquito is also responsible for spreading other viral infections, including:
1. Chikungunya
A viral illness that causes high fever, severe joint pains and rashes. Unlike dengue, joint pain in chikungunya can last for weeks or months.
2. Zika Virus Infection
Zika virus infection, known to be associated with birth defects such as microcephaly in newborns, is another serious health problem spread by this mosquito.
Understanding the infections, symptoms and associated diseases caused by Aedes mosquitoes is crucial to implementing effective preventive measures. Advances such as public health awareness, vector control strategies and vaccines are crucial in reducing the global burden of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Overview of DNA Vaccines
DNA vaccines represent a revolutionary advance in vaccination technology, offering a new way to fight infectious diseases. Unlike traditional vaccines, DNA vaccines use genetic material to stimulate an immune response, providing a safer, faster and more adaptable approach to vaccine development.
What is a DNA Vaccine?
A DNA vaccine is a type of vaccine that uses small segments of DNA to generate immunity against specific pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. These DNA segments contain genetic instructions to produce a particular antigen – a molecule that triggers an immune response.
DNA vaccines are part of the third generation of vaccines after traditional live-attenuated and inactivated vaccines. They are very promising due to their simplicity, stability and ability to quickly adapt to emerging pathogens.
How Does a DNA Vaccine Work?
1. Introduction of DNA
- DNA encoding a specific antigen is introduced directly into the recipient’s cells, usually via injection.
2. Antigen Production
Once inside the body, cells read the DNA instructions and produce the target antigen. This mimics the natural process of infection, but without introducing the actual pathogen.
3. Immune System Activation
- The immune system recognizes the newly produced antigen as a foreign substance.
- This activates an immune response, including the production of antibodies and the activation of T-cells, which are important for long-term immunity.
4. Memory Formation
The immune system forms a “memory” of the antigen, enabling the body to recognize and fight the real germ when it encounters it in the future.
Examples of DNA Vaccines
1. Dengue DNA Vaccine
- Developed by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in India in collaboration with nine other institutions across the world.
- The vaccine is India’s first DNA-based vaccine for dengue and has shown promising results in initial experiments on mice.
- Initial trials show strong immune responses and increased survival rates after exposure to the dengue virus, marking a significant milestone in dengue prevention efforts.
2. ZyCoV-D
- The world’s first DNA-based vaccine for COVID-19, developed by Cadila Healthcare in India.
- Approved for emergency use in India, ZyCoV-D demonstrated the ability to rapidly develop and deploy DNA vaccines during a global pandemic.
- This success underlines the versatility and scalability of DNA vaccine technology.
As research continues, DNA vaccines are set to play a vital role not only in combating infectious diseases like dengue and COVID-19 but also in tackling future global health challenges. Their versatility and innovative mechanisms make them a ray of hope in modern medicine.
Shorts Introduction to World Health Organization - WHO
- Established: April 7, 1948
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- A specialized United Nations agency focused on global health.
- Members: 194 countries + 2 associate members.
- Key Roles: Disease control, health promotion, and emergency response.
🔍 Fun Fact: WHO declared April 7 as World Health Day!
Download Free PDF of Science GK in Gujarati-New Dengue Vaccine TAK-003 | Dengue: Causes, Symptoms | DNA Vaccines
To make the learning process more accessible and comprehensive, we have included valuable resources in Gujarati that will assist students in preparing effectively for competitive exams.
We understand the importance of having reliable study material available for offline preparation. That is why we have compiled all the information presented in this blog into a well-structured PDF file in Gujarati. This PDF serves as a ready reference for students and includes:
- Detailed information about the new dengue vaccine TAK-003 (Qdenga).
- Comprehensive explanation of the causes, symptoms, and prevention of dengue.
- Overview of DNA vaccines and their applications.
- Key facts about the World Health Organization (WHO).
You can download the free PDF directly by clicking on the Button given below. This ensures that you can review the material anytime, anywhere, even without internet access.
Watch Video of Science GK in Gujarati with Free PDF-New Dengue Vaccine TAK-003 on GK Gujarat.Com
For those who prefer visual learning, we have created a detailed video in Gujarati, covering all the topics discussed in this post. This video:
- Explains complex scientific concepts in a simple and engaging way.
- Presents visuals and examples to strengthen understanding.
- It is specially designed for Gujarati speaking students preparing for competitive exams.
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