Following primary dengue virus (DENV) infection, non-structural protein 1 (NS1), a dengue-specific glycoprotein, is present in blood and is easily detected by various assays. However, for any infection thereafter (secondary infection), bioavailability of the glycoprotein greatly reduces sensitivity of DENV detection. Since secondary DENV infection is a risk factor for developing hemorrhagic fever, there is increasing need for more sensitive detection at this stage.

CDC investigators have developed a versatile method and monoclonal antibodies for detection of primary and secondary DENV infection. The antibodies specifically bind to heat-denatured NS1, allowing the addition of a heat denaturation step which greatly improves sensitivity of the detection assay. The assay was validated using actual dengue patient samples.