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This article discusses a study conducted in Thailand on the risk of Zika virus infection among international students. The study found that two out of eight students tested positive for Zika virus antibodies, indicating exposure to the virus. One of the students also showed symptoms of infection. The article emphasizes the importance of increased awareness of Zika risk and preventive measures, such as avoiding mosquito exposure and considering family planning. The study acknowledges limitations, such as the small sample size and potential for cross-reactions with other similar viruses. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of Zika virus in the context of international travel. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Dengue is an arboviral disease that has a large effect on public health in subtropical and tropical countries. Rapid and accurate detection of dengue infection is necessary for diagnosis and disease management. We previously developed highly sensitive immunochromatographic devices, the TKK 1st and TKK 2nd kits, based on dengue virus (DENV) nonstructural protein 1 detection. However, these TKK kits were evaluated mainly using DENV type 2 clinical specimens collected in Bangladesh, and further validation using clinical specimens of other serotypes was needed. Methods: In the present study, one of the TKK kits, TKK 2nd, was evaluated using 10 DENV-1, 10 DENV-2, 4 DENV-3, 16 DENV-4, and 10 zika virus-infected clinical specimens collected in Bangkok, Thailand. Results: The TKK 2nd kit successfully detected all four DENV serotypes in patient serum specimens and did not show any cross-reactivities against zika virus serum specimens. The IgM and/or IgG anti-DENV antibodies were detected in seven serum specimens, but did not seem to affect the results of antigen detection in the TKK 2nd kit. Conclusion: The results showed that the TKK 2nd kit successfully detected all four DENV serotypes in clinical specimens and confirmed the potential of the kit for dengue diagnosis in endemic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]