Zika Virus: An Emerging Worldwide Threat

Abstract

ZIKA virus (ZIKV) poses a severe threat to the world. Recent outbreaks of ZIKV after 2007 along with its quick transmission have made this virus a matter of international concern. The virus shows symptoms that are similar to those caused in the wake of dengue virus (DENV) and other flaviviruses, which makes it difficult to discern the viral infection. Diagnosis is further complicated as the virus cross-reacts with antibodies of other viruses. Currently, molecular diagnosis of the virus is being performed by RT-PCR and IgM-captured enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA). The real brunt of the virus is, however, borne by children and adults alike. Case studies of the ZIKV outbreaks in the French Polynesia and other places have suggested that there is a close link between the ZIKV and Gullian-Barre syndrome (GBS). The GBS has closely followed in areas facing ZIKV outbreaks. Although solid evidence is yet to emerge, clinical data integration has revealed a large number of ZIKV patients having GBS. Moreover, the amniotic fluids, blood cord, and miscarriage tissues of mothers have been detected with ZIKV, which indicates that the virus either gets transferred from mother to fetus or seeks direct entry in the fetus, causing microcephaly and other brain anomalies in the newborn babies. Studies on mice have confirmed the link between the ZIKV infection during pregnancy and microcephaly in babies. Reports have highlighted the sexual transmission of the ZIKV, as it has been detected in the semen and saliva of affected persons. The intensity with which the ZIKA is spreading can collapse the health sector of several countries, which are poor. A comprehensive strategy is a need of an hour to combat this virus so as to prevent its transmission and avert the looming threat. At the same time, more research on the cure of the ZIKV is imperative.

Current Trends in Diagnostics of Viral Infections of Unknown Etiology

“…Nevertheless, there is evidence that metagenomic sequencing is restricted by multiple pitfalls and biases, based on the pathogen's structure, extraction method, GC content, and other factors [51][52][53]. Therefore, there are five major limitations: (1) sequences of interest should share at least low identity with the analogous sequences in a reference genome, ensuring correct mapping; (2) the analytical complexity of obtained data often requires employment of a qualified bioinformatician and the use of a specialized computational infrastructure (including both hardware and software; (3) hidden experimental and methodological prejudices towards certain taxa; (4) defining the method's sensitivity and properly measuring it against a relevant reference; (5) dealing with the abundance of host-cell, bacterial and fungal nucleic acids.…”

“…As some statistical models suggest, there are over 320,000 mammalian viruses in existence [1], a little over 200 of which are known to infect humans [2], with the number increasing steadily over decades [3]. The recent years have been marked by a rising frequency of emerging viral infections, e.g., SARS [4], Zika [5], or a more recent Coronavirus 2019-nCoV outbreak [6]. Bearing that in mind, the range of available diagnostic tools seems disproportionate to the growing number of diseases, because they detect only known pathogens, which constitute~0.07% of viral entities.…”

Recent Perspectives on Genome, Transmission, Clinical Manifestation, Diagnosis, Therapeutic Strategies, Vaccine Developments, and Challenges of Zika Virus Research

“…The genome is 10,794 kb in length which consists of single-stranded, positive sense RNA, flanked by two non-coding regions (5′ and 3′ NCR) and single open reading frame (ORF) coding for a polyprotein 5′-C-prM-E-NS1-NS2A-NS2B-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5-3′. It is further cleaved into three structural proteins such as capsid (C), envelope (E), membrane precursor (prM) and seven non-structural (NS) proteins which are essential for the replication and assembly of the virus ( Faye et al, 2014 ; Hamel et al, 2016 ; Rather et al, 2017 ). The major structural and NS proteins present in ZIKV genome is shown in Figure 1B .…”

“…Mosquito bites are the major mode of transmission; however, few cases of non-vector-borne infections have been reported, known as perinatal transmission ( Hamel et al, 2016 ; Rather et al, 2017 ). The probable modes of perinatal transmission are transplacental, during delivery and at the time of breastfeeding ( Besnard et al, 2014 ).…”

Rápido diagnóstico do Zika vírus na saliva e na urina através da amplificação isotérmica mediada por loop (LAMP)

“…1 -Zika virus genome structure(18) ZIKV is transmitted among humans usually by Aedes mosquito species, manly by Aedes aegypti (1), although sexual (2), perinatal(3), and blood transfusion(4) transmission were already reported. The ZIKV RNA disappears from the systemic circulation in approximately one week, but the virus remains for longer periods (i.e.…”