Zika Virus Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in Uganda in 1947 and was originally isolated only in Africa and Asia. After a spike of microcephaly cases in Brazil, research has closely focused on different aspects of congenital ZIKV infection. In this... more

Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in Uganda in 1947 and was originally isolated only in Africa and Asia. After a spike of microcephaly cases in Brazil, research has closely focused on different aspects of congenital ZIKV infection. In this review, we evaluated many aspects of the disease in order to build its natural history, with a focus on the long-term clinical and neuro-radiological outcomes in children. The authors have conducted a wide-ranging search spanning the 2012-2021 period from databases PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus. Different sections reflect different points of congenital ZIKV infection syndrome: pathogenesis, prenatal diagnosis, clinical signs, neuroimaging and long-term developmental outcomes. It emerged that pathogenesis has not been fully clarified and that the clinical signs are not only limited to microcephaly. Given the current absence of treatments, we proposed schemes to optimize diagnostic protocols in endemic countries. It is essential to know the key aspects of this disease to guarantee early diagnosis, even in less severe cases, and an adequate management of the main chronic problems. Considering the relatively recent discovery of this congenital infectious syndrome, further studies and updated long-term follow-up are needed to further improve management strategies for this disease.

Seventy years after its discovery, the zika virus emerged in Brazil and spread rapidly throughout the Americas, bringing unusual complications such as microcephaly. The World Health Organization classifies zika as the most harmful viral... more

Seventy years after its discovery, the zika virus emerged in Brazil and spread rapidly throughout the Americas, bringing unusual complications such as microcephaly. The World Health Organization classifies zika as the most harmful viral disease today and considers the development of new diagnostic methods for zika and related diseases, such as dengue, urgent. Although there are tests to identify both infections, current diagnostic methods are slow, nonspecific, and costly. This study describes an impedimetric electrochemical DNA biosensor for labelfree detection of zika virus. Disposable electrodes were fabricated by thermal evaporation on polyethylene terephthalate substrates covered with a nanometric gold layer manufactured in three-contact configurations. The disposable, evaporated electrodes were morphologically characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The electrode surface was characterized by electroanalytical techniques. Genetic sequences of primers and complementary capture probes were designed based on analysis of the zika and dengue virus genomes. The biosensor used a three-contact electrode to identify DNA sequences in a drop of sample, and for detection of zika virus sequences, it allowed for direct reading of the hybridization event without labeling on disposable electrodes and with a 1.5 h response time. In this system, impedance measurements indicated a limit of detection of 25.0 ± 1.7 nM. The developed biosensors showed selectivity for zika in the synthetic DNA assays, and therefore, are promising for clinical analysis.

Pathologies associated with Zika virus infection include partial progressive paralysis (Guillan-Barre Syndrome) and microcephaly in Brazil and Panama. We identified an 85-nucleotide stem loop structure in the 3' end of Zika virus sfRNA... more

Pathologies associated with Zika virus infection include partial progressive paralysis (Guillan-Barre Syndrome) and microcephaly in Brazil and Panama. We identified an 85-nucleotide stem loop structure in the 3' end of Zika virus sfRNA position (343-428) with the canonical structural and sequence characteristics of a miRNA. In comparison, the West Nile Virus has been previously demonstrated to contain a miRNA in its 3' untranslated (UTR) sfRNA region. The West Nile Virus miRNA, KUN-mir-1, was found to be 81 nucleotides in length (492-573) and 58% conserved overall as to the corresponding Zika virus stem loop nucleotide sequence. The majority on the sequence homology was in the terminal loop (78%). The 40 nucleotide (nt) 3p arm demonstrated 60% homology, decreasing at the distal segment. The 5p arm demonstrates on 42% sequence homology.
The Zika virus stem loop in this study was identified to contain a hairpin structure in the 3' end of the Zika virus sfRNA 3' UTR segment predicted to contain a miRNA with significant homology to human hsa-mir-147a. Target analysis identified 241 human transcripts which include, but not limited to, neurofascin, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, neurofibromin 1, SAM and SH3 domain containing 1, neurogenin 2, in addition to multiple immune transcripts.
Autoantibodies to neurofascin have been reported in in Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS) but have not yet been reported in or after Zika virus infection. A significant 9 mer match exists between the Zika virus miRNA 3p arm and the Neurofascin 3'UTR seed region, CCACACA. In contrast to West Nile Virus, GATA4 was not predicted to be, nor was identified in the MirBase database, to be a target of the Zika virus miRNA.
These computational results indicate highly plausible mechanisms explaining the neurologic syndromes such a Guillan-Barre Syndrome and microcephaly associated with Zika virus infection and warrant further investigation.

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the family Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus. It is a single-stranded positive-sense ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, has its origin traced to Zika forest in Uganda. Its infection leads to ZIKV fever,... more

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the family Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus. It is a single-stranded positive-sense ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, has its origin traced to Zika forest in Uganda. Its infection leads to ZIKV fever, characterized by arthralgia, myalgia, rash, conjunctivitis, and asthenia. Clinical presentation of the infection is nonspecific and may often be confused with symptoms of other flaviviral diseases (dengue, West Nile [WN], and chikungunya). Recently, ZIKV has been associated with congenital malformations and neurological complications such as microcephaly and Guillain–Barre' syndrome. The viral tropism revealed an infection of the skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and immature dendritic cells through enhanced expression of dendritic cell‑specific intracellular adhesion molecule 3‑grabbing nonintegrin or anexelecto (Greekword: 'uncontrolled') and tyrosine protein kinase receptor 3 systems. Silencing of T-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) and AXL RNAs has shown blockage of viral entry through their anti-TIM-1 and anti-AXL antibodies, hence serving as a potential target for ZIKV drug development. Biotechnological approaches targeted toward ZIKV vector control include the development of transgenic mosquitoes to disrupt the genome pool of wild strains and use of an endosymbiotic bacterium to prevent replication of arboviruses within its vector. Other approaches include the use of gene drive and exploration of the genetic redundancy to disrupt the receptors used by the virus to gain entry into its host. It is also imperative to explore the modality through which neutralizing antibodies block this viral infection as this may prove as a potential target to arrest the viral life cycle.

Most of the articles in this volume involve biosafety and biosecurity and strict biosafety and laboratory biosecurity protocols and whether current standards sufficiently assure the safety of both the public and the overall ecosystem.... more

Most of the articles in this volume involve biosafety and biosecurity and strict biosafety and laboratory biosecurity protocols and whether current standards sufficiently assure the safety of both the public and the overall ecosystem. This chapter suggests that developments occurring in mosquito vector control using synthetic biology will introduce new genetic bugaboos into the debate over releasing genetically altered species, both accidentally and purposefully.

Molecular biology techniques were used to identify 218 fungi from soil samples collected from four islands of Antarctica. These consisted of 22 taxa of 15 different genera belonging to the Zygomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota.... more

Molecular biology techniques were used to identify 218 fungi from soil samples collected from four islands of Antarctica. These consisted of 22 taxa of 15 different genera belonging to the Zygomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota. Mortierella, Antarctomyces, Pseudogymnoascus, and Penicillium were the most frequently isolated genera and Penicillium tardochrysogenum, Penicillium verrucosus, Goffeauzyma gilvescens, and Mortierella sp. 2 the most abundant taxa. All fungal isolates were cultivated using solid-state fermentation to obtain their crude extracts. Pseudogymnoascus destructans, Mortierella parvispora, and Penicillium chrysogenum displayed antiparasitic activities, whilst extracts of P. destructans, Mortierella amoeboidea, Mortierella sp. 3, and P. tardochrysogenum showed herbicidal activities. Reported as pathogenic for bats, different isolates of P. destructans exhibited trypanocidal activities and herbicidal activity, and may be a source of bioactive molecules to be conside...

Contribution to the Association for Feminist Anthropology column.

Core Message Although Zika virus is generally considered a relatively benign fl avivirus, it is hypothesized that the study of this virus is useful as an indicator of other more virulent viruses. The increased spread and prevalence of... more

Core Message Although Zika virus is generally considered a relatively benign fl avivirus, it is hypothesized that the study of this virus is useful as an indicator of other more virulent viruses. The increased spread and prevalence of Zika virus thus may be indicative of similar changes in more virulent viruses. It is also hypothesized that Zika may mutate into a more virulent form than what has hitherto occurred.

The large-scale outbreak of Zika virus in 2015-2016 attracted global attention. As of Jan-uary 2018, 137,515 cases of Zika virus were confirmed in the United States and Brazil, and 223,477 cases were confirmed in the world by PAHO and... more

The large-scale outbreak of Zika virus in 2015-2016 attracted global attention. As of Jan-uary 2018, 137,515 cases of Zika virus were confirmed in the United States and Brazil, and 223,477 cases were confirmed in the world by PAHO and WHO. This paper utilizes an existed mathematics model in the Zika virus, then analyzes the stability and bifurcation by changing the closed population system to an open system. Moreover, this paper establishes an optimal control problem associated with the open population system based on several popular disease intervention strategies frequently used by public health agencies to mitigate the Zika epidemics. Comparisons of traditional Pontryagin's maximum principle and a new memetic algorithm are conducted for different intervention strategies. Also, our computational results suggest that continuous optimal control strategies may not be practical in real-world applications. Instead, the memetic algorithm-based discrete is relatively easy to be implemented. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Pregnant women living in or traveling to areas with local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission are at risk for Zika virus infection, which can lead to severe fetal and infant brain abnormalities and microcephaly (1). In February 2016,... more

Pregnant women living in or traveling to areas with local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission are at risk for Zika virus infection, which can lead to severe fetal and infant brain abnormalities and microcephaly (1). In February 2016, CDC recommended 1) routine testing for Zika virus infection of asymptomatic pregnant women living in areas with ongoing local Zika virus transmission at the first prenatal care visit, 2) retesting during the second trimester for women who initially test negative, and 3) testing of pregnant women with signs or symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease (e.g., fever, rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis) at any time during pregnancy (2). To collect information about pregnant women with laboratory evidence of recent possible Zika virus infection* and outcomes in their fetuses and infants, CDC established pregnancy and infant registries (3). During January 1, 2016-April 25, 2017, U.S. territories(†) with local transmission of Zika virus reported 2,549 co...

Abstract Purpose: Analyze the threat of the use of insects as weapons and the response capacities of the Italian State Background: Insects are already naturally an excellent vehicle for diseases, raising them and infecting them or feeding... more

Abstract
Purpose:
Analyze the threat of the use of insects as weapons and the response capacities of the Italian State
Background:
Insects are already naturally an excellent vehicle for diseases, raising them and infecting them or feeding them
with infected material is extremely simple. Once released into the environment they can infest an area for years.
Insects can be effectively used for biological warfare but they also have interesting uses for the dispersal of
radioisotopes, an occult dirty bomb! Or Chemicals agents.
Method and materials:
Study and analysis of possible uses, zoonoses and "case studies".
Finding:
There are no prevention protocols in the routine for operators and rescuers. There is poor training for the zoonosis
problem. The response of public bodies in the event of a possible attack is slow and has no standard or inter-force
protocols. The Italian public health and relief system is fragmented and already several bodies (there is no
effective exchange of information)
Conclusions:
In case of an epidemic or entomological war, if prevention protocols, early warning and inter-force response are
not developed, it could cause huge losses both in the population and among the operators.

H erbal medicines have played a critical role in the history of malaria, with Peruvian bark (Cinchona spp.) being the first effective treatment for this dreaded, widespread disease and leading to creation of the entire quinine family of... more

H erbal medicines have played a critical role in the history of malaria, with Peruvian bark (Cinchona spp.) being the first effective treatment for this dreaded, widespread disease and leading to creation of the entire quinine family of drugs. The more recent discovery of sweet Annie or qing hao (Artemisia annua) as another botanical treatment for malaria continues this history, and the artemisinin family of drugs has become an important new tool against malaria. This first of a two-part article reviews the use of whole herbs and herbal extracts to repel mosquitoes. A growing number of clinical trials suggest that botanical mosquito repellents have potential to be highly effective. There is also evidence that local production of whole herbs and their extracts to control malaria sustainably is possible. The second part will review their use to help prevent and treat malaria infection in travelers and in people living in malarious regions. The research behind using herbs to reduce antimalarial drug resistance will also be discussed.

Em 2015, no contexto da epidemia do vírus zika no Brasil, achados científicos estabeleceram a relação entre o vírus e uma síndrome neurológica que atingiu fetos e bebês de mulheres que contraíram o zika durante suas gestações. Já em 2020,... more

Em 2015, no contexto da epidemia do vírus zika no Brasil, achados científicos estabeleceram a relação entre o vírus e uma síndrome neurológica que atingiu fetos e bebês de mulheres que contraíram o zika durante suas gestações. Já em 2020, encerrando o debate em torno de algumas consequências daquela epidemia, foi sancionada a Lei Federal 13.985/20, que concede pensão especial vitalícia a crianças acometidas pela síndrome. Por meio da análise de dispositivos legais, documentos e pronunciamentos públicos de parlamentares e de mães de crianças atingidas pelo zika reunidas em associações, o artigo recompõe as etapas principais da disputa pela pensão no Brasil, iluminando duas questões: primeiro, o caráter ambivalente de todo o processo, e segundo, as narrativas político-morais alternadamente evocadas para justificar a relevância, os termos e os critérios de elegibilidade da pensão-a narrativa da reparação e a da crise. Demonstro que a pensão representa uma conquista para as mães de crianças acometidas pela síndrome e uma derrota nos termos principais de sua concessão, e argumento que essa ambivalência se relaciona, por um lado, com características especialmente restritivas da pensão em relação a outras pensões indenizatórias já instituídas no Brasil e, por outro, com a consolidação da narrativa da crise em detrimento da narrativa da reparação. Palavras-chave: Pensão indenizatória. Síndrome congênita do vírus zika. Crise. Reparação.

Resumo Neste artigo, discute-se a importância da intersetorialidade como premissa para a educação inclusiva de crianças com deficiência múltipla e o papel da escola pública nesse processo. Uma pesquisa qualitativa foi realizada por meio... more

Resumo Neste artigo, discute-se a importância da intersetorialidade como premissa para a educação inclusiva de crianças com deficiência múltipla e o papel da escola pública nesse processo. Uma pesquisa qualitativa foi realizada por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais da Educação, Assistência Social e Saúde de três municípios da Baixada Fluminense e dois do Sul Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro. Os dados indicam que existe uma preocupação por parte dos gestores municipais em efetuar ações integradas e intersetoriais. Apontam, também, que, em grande medida, faltam condições de recursos humanos e diretrizes claras sobre como proceder para efetivar ações intersetoriais para a promoção integral dessas crianças, considerando a sua matrícula em turmas comuns das redes de ensino. Ressalta-se, assim, a importância da escola como espaço potencialmente capaz de mobilizar e articular ações mais integradas entre as diferentes áreas da política social. Palavras-chave: educação inclusiva; deficiência múltipla; intersetorialidade.

These days, a lot of viruses spread in society causing the epidemic. One of them is the ZIKA virus. The transmission of ZIKA virus is mediated by a mosquito named Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. The transmission of ZIKA virus can also... more

These days, a lot of viruses spread in society causing the epidemic. One of them is the ZIKA virus. The transmission of ZIKA virus is mediated by a mosquito named Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. The transmission of ZIKA virus can also occur through the blood transfusion and sexual intercourse. In this study, the transmission of Zika virus to be discussed is only focused on the human population that the infected individuals can spread the ZIKA virus to susceptible individuals, and the transmission of ZIKA virus will be described in the SEIR mathematic model. From the obtained SEIR model results in two equilibrium points that are the virus free equilibrium point and the free viral equilibrium point. In addition, from the model analysis is obtained the basic reproduction number ℛ0. When ℛ0 < 1, the rate of ZIKA virus spread is smaller than the healing rate so that in the end the population of ZIKA virus infected individuals will be exhausted, and the ZIKA virus will be extinct. While at the time ℛ0 > 1, the infection rate of ZIKA virus is greater than the healing rate so that the spread of ZIKA virus will continue to occur and cause the endemic. Based on the stability analysis of the equilibrium point of the mathematic model of ZIKA virus spread, this is concluded that the virus free equilibrium point will be stable asymptotically local if ℛ0 < 1, and the free viral equilibrium point will be stable asymptotically local if ℛ0 >1.

We formulate and analyze Zika virus transmission model with three nonlinear forces of infection from infected mosquito, asymptomatic and symptomatic humans. The sensitivity indexes of the associated parameters of the model with respect to... more

We formulate and analyze Zika virus transmission model with three nonlinear forces of infection from infected mosquito, asymptomatic and symptomatic humans. The sensitivity indexes of the associated parameters of the model with respect to the basic reproduction number are calculated to identify intervention strategies for prevention and control of Zika virus. Multiple time-dependent optimal controls are considered. The analysis based on the use of optimal control theory made popular by Pontryagin's maximum principle is carried out, and the resulting optimality system is quantitatively simulated to investigate the impact of the controls on the dynamics of Zika virus. In addition, the effects of non-linearity of the forces of infection and other key parameters on the disease transmission are illustrated.

A growing body of health officials in Brazil are doubting that the Zika " virus " is responsible for the rise in birth defects in parts of that country. Zika, along with yellow fever, has been tossed into the family Flaviviruses; the... more

A growing body of health officials in Brazil are doubting that the Zika " virus " is responsible for the rise in birth defects in parts of that country. Zika, along with yellow fever, has been tossed into the family Flaviviruses; the Latin " flavus " meaning yellow. But unlike yellow fever, the vast majority of Zika's symptoms for the last 70 years have been mild to non-existent. Despite disseminations by the lay and scientific press, there are serious questions whether Zika causes microcephaly at all. If by March, 2016 the Brazilian Ministry of Health reported 2,197 suspected cases of microcephaly, only 11.48% of these were Zika-positive. Zika is widespread throughout Brazil and South and Central America, yet the bulk of microcephaly cases are confined to the costal tip of Northeastern Brazil. Furthermore, despite extensive testing, no known mosquito-borne arbovirus or any other virus has to this point been proven to cause Brazilian microcephaly. While Zika was being portrayed as " the most alarming health crisis to hit Brazil in decades " , tuberculosis and its related mycobacteria were quietly gaining a stranglehold and building an ecologic niche in the very Northeastern region being hit by epidemic microcephaly. Why was this important? With NE Brazilian microcephaly/Zika we are probably dealing with a mosquito-fuelled environmental zoonosis ― a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans ― such as primates, and to a lesser extent birds (Mycobacterium avium), and rodents (Mycobacterium microti) , all mentioned in the Zika literature. Add to this the penchant of Brazilian's to illegally capture and keep mycobacterial-laden wild monkeys and exotic birds as pets or for revenue, and you have a potential zoonotic time-bomb ready to explode once the proper vectors presents themselves. Three mosquito vectors have been steadily populating Northeastern Brazil: namely Culex quinquefasciatus, the Aedes aegypti and the Aedes albopictus ― all of which have the capacity to transmit viral-like forms of the mycobacteria associated with HIV and through direct laboratory investigation with microcephaly. Perhaps it is time to rethink what's really behind Brazilian Microcephaly and other symptomatology from the " Zika " agent.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted mainly by mosquitos of Aedes species. The virus has emerged in recent years and spread throughout North and South Americas. The recent outbreak of ZIKV started in Brazil (2015) has resulted in... more

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted mainly by mosquitos of Aedes species. The virus has emerged in recent years and spread throughout North and South Americas. The recent outbreak of ZIKV started in Brazil (2015) has resulted in infections surpassing a million mark. Contrary to the previous beliefs that Zika causes mildly symptomatic infections fever, headache, rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis, the recent outbreak associated ZIKV to serious neurological complications such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and eye infections. The recent outbreak has resulted in an astonishing number of microcephaly cases in fetus and infants. Consequently, numerous studies were conducted using in vitro cell and in vivo animal models. These studies showed clear links between ZIKV infections and neurological abnormalities. Diagnosis methods based on nucleic acid and serological detection facilitated rapid and accurate identification of ZIKV infections. New transmission modalities such as sexual and transplacental transmission were uncovered. Given the seriousness of ZIKV infections, WHO declared the development of safe and effective vaccines and new antiviral drugs as an urgent global health priority. Rapid work in this direction has led to the identification of several vaccine and antiviral drug candidates. Here, we review the remarkable progress made in understanding the molecular links between ZIKV infections and neurological irregularities, new diagnosis methods, potential targets for antiviral drugs, and the current state of vaccine development.

IMPORTANCE Recent studies have reported an increase in the number of fetuses and neonates with microcephaly whose mothers were infected with the Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy. To our knowledge, most reports to date have focused on... more

IMPORTANCE Recent studies have reported an increase in the number of fetuses and neonates with microcephaly whose mothers were infected with the Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy. To our knowledge, most reports to date have focused on select aspects of the maternal or fetal infection and fetal effects. OBJECTIVE To describe the prenatal evolution and perinatal outcomes of 11 neonates who had developmental abnormalities and neurological damage associated with ZIKV infection in Brazil. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We observed 11 infants with congenital ZIKV infection from gestation to 6 months in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Ten of 11 women included in this study presented with symptoms of ZIKV infection during the first half of pregnancy, and all 11 had laboratory evidence of the infection in several tissues by serology or polymerase chain reaction. Brain damage was confirmed through intrauterine ultrasonography and was complemented by magnetic resonance imaging. Histopathological analysis was performed on the placenta and brain tissue from infants who died. The ZIKV genome was investigated in several tissues and sequenced for further phylogenetic analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Description of the major lesions caused by ZIKV congenital infection. RESULTS Of the 11 infants, 7 (63.6%) were female, and the median (SD) maternal age at delivery was 25 (6) years. Three of 11 neonates died, giving a perinatal mortality rate of 27.3%. The median (SD) cephalic perimeter at birth was 31 (3) cm, a value lower than the limit to consider a microcephaly case. In all patients, neurological impairments were identified, including microcephaly, a reduction in cerebral volume, ventriculomegaly, cerebellar hypoplasia, lissencephaly with hydrocephalus, and fetal akinesia deformation sequence (ie, arthrogryposis). Results of limited testing for other causes of microcephaly, such as genetic disorders and viral and bacterial infections, were negative, and the ZIKV genome was found in both maternal and neonatal tissues (eg, amniotic fluid, cord blood, placenta, and brain). Phylogenetic analyses showed an intrahost virus variation with some polymorphisms in envelope genes associated with different tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Combined findings from clinical, laboratory, imaging, and pathological examinations provided a more complete picture of the severe damage and developmental abnormalities caused by ZIKV infection than has been previously reported. The term congenital Zika syndrome is preferable to refer to these cases, as microcephaly is just one of the clinical signs of this congenital malformation disorder.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen of huge public health significance to human beings. Although majority of infections are benign with self-limiting symptoms, the recent outbreak has established an association with the increased... more

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen of huge public health significance to human beings. Although majority of infections are benign with self-limiting symptoms, the recent outbreak has established an association with the increased incidence of some congenital anomalies such as microcephaly. In other words, due to the large extent of the virus and mosquito vectors, the infection has become a thoughtful health problem for human societies, though now, there are no antiviral therapies or vaccines against this virus. In spite of extensive research carried out by scientists, not so much information has been gathered about this viral infection. In the current review, we prepared an overview of the remarkable progress made in understanding about the epidemiology, immunology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis methods of ZIKV infection.

Several coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS]), flavivirus (yellow fever, West Nile, dengue, Zika), and alphavirus (chikungunya, Ebola) infections have, in the past 10–20 years,... more

Several coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS], Middle East respiratory syndrome [MERS]), flavivirus (yellow fever, West Nile, dengue, Zika), and alphavirus (chikungunya, Ebola) infections have, in the past 10–20 years, emerged or reemerged as major problems across large regions of the globe. While, currently, many of these infections are confined to the tropics, global warming, the spread of some mosquito vectors northward, and emergence of temperate-tolerant pathogens such as West Nile virus mean that these problems are increasingly affecting the global north as well. After discussing mosquito-based preventions for the zoonotic infections mentioned in this article, a review of herbal responses to the SARS and MERS epidemics are highlighted. Houttuynia cordata (houttuynia, yú xīng cǎo) and Glycyrrhiza spp. (licorice) stand out as particularly interesting single herbs for addressing these coronavirus infections. Herbal approaches to flavivirus infections, most notably clinical trials of Carica papaya (papaya) leaves for treating dengue fever, are reviewed. A discussion of many of the extensive range of herbs studied to treat flaviviruses in preclinical studies is provided. Potential herbal treatments for alphavirus infections are then presented.

Outbreaks of Zika have occurred not only in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands but also in South and Central America. Several travel-related Zika virus infections have been reported in countries in Europe and North America. With... more

Outbreaks of Zika have occurred not only in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands but also in South and Central America. Several travel-related Zika virus infections have been reported in countries in Europe and North America. With the increased reporting of Zika virus transmission in the Americas, countries should create and maintain the capacity to identify and confirm cases of Zika virus infection and effective strategies to reduce the mosquitoes that transmit the disease should be established. In a globalized world, infectious diseases can move faster and easier when vectors such as Aedes Egypti mosquito has become naturalized in several parts of the world. Although the natural transmission cycle of zika virus involves mosquitoes, especially Aedes spp, perinatal transmission, potential risk for transfusion-transmitted and sexually transmitted zika virus infections has also been
demonstrated.

Viruses in humans can be traced back to the 1900s. Smallpox and measles are the oldest, and as of 2012, 219 virus species affecting humans were identified. Among them are Yellow fever, influenza, Zika, Polio, Human Immunodeficiency Virus... more

Viruses in humans can be traced back to the 1900s. Smallpox and measles are the oldest, and as of 2012, 219 virus species affecting humans were identified. Among them are Yellow fever, influenza, Zika, Polio, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Ebola and Corona virus, which was discovered in 2019. Viruses were discovered over a period of time through rigorous processes which continue to be utilized with the application of new knowledge, which makes new findings modify and rediscover their inevitability. What in the World are Viruses? Each chapter in this book helps the reader sift through individual themes of well-researched and articulated articles for easy understanding written to contribute towards building on existing knowledge on viruses. The impact of viruses on humans cannot be ignored, especially in this era where the world is grappling with the effects of Corona Virus that has claimed many lives worldwide. The impact of virus outbreaks on a macro scale in society has been felt globally with disruptions of economies and livelihoods. Against this background, this publication explores the importance of studying viruses, particularly their effect on individuals. A chapter in the book looks at how a virus affects society, unearthing how a pandemic affects the global supply chain, how easily hospitals can become overwhelmed, the economic impact of viruses, and the positive impact that viruses have on society. Effects make the issue of viruses of utmost importance to study. Researching on viruses has improved knowledge to find solutions through vaccines' discovery, identifying preventive measures to eradicate the danger that viruses present to humans. Anti-viral treatments are available in the world today as a solution to fight against viruses. With this, many lives have been saved as people continue to access treatment. Although controversies surrounding viruses exist, they do not deter research on viruses from continuing. Information contained in this publication will add value to your knowledge base; this is why you should take time to read and enjoy the book.

Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a RNA virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. This virus is transmitted through bite of Aedes mosquitoes, in particular Ae. aegypti. On February 1st 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) has... more

Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a RNA virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus, family Flaviviridae. This virus
is transmitted through bite of Aedes mosquitoes, in particular Ae. aegypti. On February 1st 2016,
the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared ZIKV a Public Health Emergency of
International Concern. Successively, considering the establishment of Ae. albopictus, WHO
has classified Italy as having a moderate likelihood of local transmission of ZIKV, preceded
in Europe only by France. For this reason an entomological surveillance plan was been
activated in Sardinia in 2016. BG Sentinel Mosquito Traps have been positioned in 29 sites,
comprising urban areas and points of entry, as ports and airports. Mosquitoes were collected
fortnightly from April to December. A total of 3,089 mosquitoes were collected belonging
to 10 species. The most numerous species have been Cx. pipiens s.l. and Ae. albopictus. All
mosquitoes sampled have been assayed by real time reverse transcriptase PCR for detection
of ZIKV RNA. A total of 584 pool have been analyzed and have been reported no evidence
of ZIKV. A permanent entomological surveillance should be implemented principally in the
urban areas and points of entry, as ports and airports, because Ae. albopictus, susceptible to
ZIKV, is established in Sardinia and also know the recent introduction of invasive mosquitoes
species Ae. koericus and Ae. japonicus in Italy.

El virus zika es un flavivirus transmitido por mosquitos que ha emergido como una amenaza significativa en la región de las Américas, especialmente para la gestante. Recientes brotes en América Central y del Sur se han asociado con un... more

El virus zika es un flavivirus transmitido por mosquitos que ha emergido como una amenaza significativa en la región de las Américas, especialmente para la gestante. Recientes brotes en América Central y del Sur se han asociado con un incremento en la incidencia de microcefalia y otras anomalías del sistema nervioso central en recién nacidos. Existe un vínculo causal entre la infección por zika durante el embarazo, con microcefalia y otros trastornos neurológicos. La región se enfrenta a una probable epidemia de magnitud con potenciales consecuencias en gestantes y recién nacidos. Se revisa la epidemiología del virus zika, su amenaza al embarazo, consecuencias clínicas y su impacto en la salud pública. Existe una serie de características de los
mecanismos de infección, difusión que da sustento a intervenciones preventivas, diagnóstico y manejo de la enfermedad. Es importante intensificar su vigilancia epidemiológica, trabajar en la prevención y una adecuada respuesta de manejo a gestantes con diagnóstico presuntivo o con infección por virus zika. Está demostrada su presencia en varias regiones del Perú; a diciembre 2016 se ha confirmado 61 gestantes, en particular en Jaén, Cajamarca con 36 casos. Se ha comunicado el nacimiento de 38 neonatos; de ellos, 32 recién nacidos corresponden a Jaén. Estos neonatos al nacer no han presentado microcefalia ni otras complicaciones. Frente a la comprensible preocupación entre la población en general acerca del zika y su riesgo sobre la gestante y el feto, se deben asegurar estrategias de vigilancia epidemiológica y control para zika. Estas acciones deben incluir una adecuada preparación preconcepcional, trabajo en control vectorial, control de la gestante y coordinación entre el sistema de salud y la población, a fin de reducir los riesgos, asegurando adecuada protección a la mujer, a la gestante y al feto. Palabras clave. Virus Zika; Epidemiología; Infección, Mecanismos; Microcefalia; Zika, Síndrome Congénito; Embarazo.
ABSTRACT
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has emerged as a significant threat in the region of the Americas, especially for pregnant women. Recent outbreaks in Central and South America have been associated with an increase in the incidence of microcephaly and other central nervous system abnormalities in newborns. There is a causal link between Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephaly and other neurological disorders. The region faces a probable epidemic with potential consequences for pregnant women and newborns. The epidemiology of the Zika virus, its threat to pregnancy, clinical consequences and impact on public health are reviewed. A number of features of the mechanisms of infection and dissemination sustain preventive interventions, diagnosis and management of the disease. It is
important to intensify its epidemiological surveillance, and to work on prevention and an adequate management response in pregnant women with a presumptive diagnosis or with a Zika virus infection. Its presence has been demonstrated in several regions of Peru. Until December 2016, infection had been confirmed in 61 pregnant women, particularly in Jaen, Cajamarca, with 36 cases. The delivery of 38 newborns has been reported, 32 of which occurred in Jaen. These neonates had no microcephaly or other complications at birth. In the light of the understandable concern among the general population about the zika virus and its risk for the pregnant woman and newborn, strategies for the epidemiological surveillance and control of the zika virus should be ensured. These actions should include adequate pre-conceptional preparation, work on vector control, control of pregnant women and coordination between the health system and the population in order to reduce risks, ensuring adequate protection for women, pregnant women and their fetuses. Keywords: Zika Virus; Epidemiology; Infection, Microcephaly; Zika Congenital Syndrome; Pregnancy.

The Zika virus, one of the new epidemic diseases, is reported to have affected millions of people in the past year. The suitable climate conditions of the areas where Zika virus has been reported, especially in areas with a high... more

The Zika virus, one of the new epidemic diseases, is reported to have affected millions of people in the past year. The suitable climate conditions of the areas where Zika virus has been reported, especially in areas with a high population density, are the main cause of the current outbreak and spread of the disease. Indeed, the suitable climatic conditions of certain territories constitute perfect breading nest for the propagation and outbreak of worldwide diseases. The main objective of this research is to analyze the global distribution and predicted areas of both mosquitoes Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus which are the main vectors of Zika virus. Physical (SRTM) and climatic variables (WorldClim) were used to obtain the susceptibility maps based on the optimum conditions for the development of these mosquitoes. The susceptibility model was developed using a Species Distribution Model - correlative model, namely the Maximum Entropy, that used as input the spatial references of bot...

On May 16, 2020, the Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny organized the symposium “Impact of Infectious Disease on Humans and Our Origins”. The symposium aimed to gather experts on infectious diseases in one place and... more

On May 16, 2020, the Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny organized the symposium “Impact of Infectious Disease on Humans and Our Origins”. The symposium aimed to gather experts on infectious diseases in one place and discuss the interrelationship between different pathogens and humans in an evolutionary context. The talks discussed topics including SARS-CoV-2, dengue and Zika, the notion of human-specific diseases, streptococci, microbiome in the human reproductive tract, Salmonella enterica, malaria, and human immunological memory.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is an emerging pandemic threat to humans that can be fatal in newborns. Advances in digital health systems and nanoparticles can facilitate the development of sensitive and portable detection technologies for... more

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is an emerging pandemic threat to humans that can be fatal in newborns. Advances in digital health systems and nanoparticles can facilitate the development of sensitive and portable detection technologies for timely management of emerging viral infections. Here we report a nanomotor-based bead-motion cellphone (NBC) system for the immunological detection of ZIKV. The presence of virus in a testing sample results in the accumulation of platinum (Pt)-nanomotors on the surface of beads, causing their motion in H2O2 solution. Then the virus concentration is detected in correlation with the change in beads motion. The developed NBC system was capable of detecting ZIKV in samples with virus concentrations as low as 1 particle/μL. The NBC system allowed a highly specific detection of ZIKV in the presence of the closely related dengue virus and other neurotropic viruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 and human cytomegalovirus. The NBC platform technology has the potential to be used in the development of point-of-care diagnostics for pathogen detection and disease management in developed and developing countries.

BACKGROUND The risk of congenital neurologic defects related to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has ranged from 6 to 42% in various reports. The aim of this study was to estimate this risk among pregnant women with symptomatic ZIKV infection... more

BACKGROUND The risk of congenital neurologic defects related to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has ranged from 6 to 42% in various reports. The aim of this study was to estimate this risk among pregnant women with symptomatic ZIKV infection in French territories in the Americas. METHODS From March 2016 through November 2016, we enrolled in this prospective cohort study pregnant women with symptomatic ZIKV infection that was confirmed by polymerasechain-reaction (PCR) assay. The analysis included all data collected up to April 27, 2017, the date of the last delivery in the cohort. RESULTS Among the 555 fetuses and infants in the 546 pregnancies included in the analysis, 28 (5.0%) were not carried to term or were stillborn, and 527 were born alive. Neurologic and ocular defects possibly associated with ZIKV infection were seen in 39 fetuses and infants (7.0%; 95% confidence interval, 5.0 to 9.5); of these, 10 were not carried to term because of termination of pregnancy for medical reasons, 1 was stillborn, and 28 were live-born. Microcephaly (defined as head circumference more than 2 SD below the mean for sex and gestational age) was detected in 32 fetuses and infants (5.8%), of whom 9 (1.6%) had severe microcephaly (more than 3 SD below the mean). Neurologic and ocular defects were more common when ZIKV infection occurred during the first trimester (24 of 189 fetuses and infants [12.7%]) than when it occurred during the second trimester (9 of 252 [3.6%]) or third trimester (6 of 114 [5.3%]) (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Among pregnant women with symptomatic, PCR-confirmed ZIKV infection, birth defects possibly associated with ZIKV infection were present in 7% of fetuses and infants. Defects occurred more frequently in fetuses and infants whose mothers had been infected early in pregnancy. Longer-term follow-up of infants is required to assess any manifestations not detected at birth.

Zika virus is one of the emerging viruses and is of significant threat to human health globally. It is a mosquito borne flavivirus similar to dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses. It was reported about 5 decades ago and then it... more

Zika virus is one of the emerging viruses and is of significant threat to human health globally. It is a mosquito borne flavivirus similar to dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses. It was reported about 5 decades ago and then it spreads to different parts of the world. Large outbreaks were reported on Yap Islands in 2007. Now it has gained wide attention globally by health communities. Major vector for virus transmission is Aedes aegypti mosquito. ZIKV infection is mostly asymptomatic but it is also responsible to cause mild influenza like illness to serious manifestations. There is no specific anti-viral treatment is available for ZIKV infection. The virus disseminates very fast due to which it possesses a serious threat especially in those areas where there is lack of specific immunity against virus. Little knowledge is available on its transmission and pathogenicity. Although virus was discovered years ago but its genomic structure is not clearly understood yet. In this rev...

This article presents results of the participation and functionality of children with multiple disabilities due to Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome in activities performed at home. The qualitative research was carried out in Baixada... more

This article presents results of the participation and functionality of children with multiple disabilities due to Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome in activities performed at home. The qualitative research was carried out in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To collect information, we used the instrument Participation and Environment - Children and Youth (PEM-CY). The data were analyzed based on the references of the bioecological and systemic theory of human development by Uri Bronfenbrenner, in dialogue with the perspective of human functionality of the World Health Organization. The results showed that mothers are not only the main person responsible for the daily care of children at home, but also for developing different strategies to expand the participation and functionality of the child in daily activities, being, therefore, protagonists of the social and educational inclusion. They also indicated the need for intersectoral programs and actions to favor the development of these children and improve the quality of life and their well-being.

This study presents a correlation between prenatal ultraso-nographic images and neuropathologic findings of postmor-tem tissue samples from five confirmed cases of perinatal Zika virus (ZIKV) infection belonging to the cohort of the ZEN... more

This study presents a correlation between prenatal ultraso-nographic images and neuropathologic findings of postmor-tem tissue samples from five confirmed cases of perinatal Zika virus (ZIKV) infection belonging to the cohort of the ZEN Initiative in Bucaramanga, Colombia. Deaths occurred between June 2016 and March 2017. Mothers consulted with ZIKV infection clinical manifestations or fetal central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities or both. A detailed ultrasound scan and neurosonographic protocol was performed by maternal fetal specialists. Perinatal autopsies were performed following the Colombian National Health Institute's ZIKV protocol. The autopsies were from two fetal deaths, and three early neonatal deaths. Gestational age was between 26 2/7 and 38 2/7 weeks. Two cases were classified as mild microcephaly. Few findings by ultrasound and pathology were found in case 1 because it was a late infection ; the other cases presented findings corresponding to congenital Zika syndrome: craniofacial malformations, cere-bellar hypoplasia, anomalies of the corpus callosum and ventriculomegaly, all confirmed in autopsy specimens. By ultrasonography, hyperechogenicities were seen in several brain structures, which correspond to cortical and per-iventricular calcifications, subependymal glial reactivity and perivascular rings. The ultrasound and pathological findings show a wide spectrum of CNS anomalies that confirm the neurotropic effect of the ZIKV, recognizing the neuroimag-ing findings of this disease (unilateral ventriculomegaly, alterations in the corpus callosum and cerebellum, and calci-fications) are highly suggestive of ZIKV infection.

The present work refers to the investigation of the Zika virus research process in an Entomology laboratory of the Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz-Recife. This is a case study conducted during the years 2017-2018 following the Zika... more

The present work refers to the investigation of the Zika virus research process in an Entomology laboratory of the Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Fiocruz-Recife. This is a case study conducted during the years 2017-2018 following the Zika virus epidemic that occurred in the period 2015-2016. Documental analysis and observation-participant were used. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Such analyzes were carried out from associative sociology (actor-network theory). As a result, it was identified that the scientific production on Zika virus increased during the period of the epidemic not only among research scientists (Aedes Informa and Arca, of Fiocruz), but also at the international level (Health banks: PubMed and LiLacs ). The research process on Zika in Entomology can be broken down into at least three steps: from collecting mosquitoes, transforming collected mosquito samples into data, and disseminating data in scientific and non-scientific circles. This allows the laboratory to associate with the media and reach the population, modifying the social relations and ties prior to the period of the epidemic. Finally, it was identified that the laboratory works from networks of internal routines, and that humans and non-humans are incorporated into these routines. The association of routines from different institutions (i.e. research promotion, epidemiological surveillance, academic seminars) is what makes it possible to combat the Zika epidemic. It has also been seen that the embargo to the research can be due to the demand of researchers in relation to the number of machines available for use and also in relation to the personal demands hindering the rhythm of execution of the laboratory routines. In conclusion, it is suggested as a possible contribution to the field, leveling routines, such as performing procedural coursework, such as PCR, at least annually. Investments in infrastructure could increase production, as the availability of machines is what allows the execution of certain routines. Two concepts were developed in this research: routines and communicators. Such concepts can contribute to the analysis of the interrelationship of routines of distinct institutions and organizations, since they are essential for the development of the associations observed in the field. We also suggest the development of more sociological research on issues related to science and the Zika virus.

The Zika virus outbreak erupted in Brazil in 2015 and spread to dozens of countries in just a few months. There is no vaccine, treatment or cure for this virus that is now a sexually transmitted disease and causes microcephaly in babies.... more

The Zika virus outbreak erupted in Brazil in 2015 and spread to dozens of countries in just a few months. There is no vaccine, treatment or cure for this virus that is now a sexually transmitted disease and causes microcephaly in babies. While scientists work to develop the vaccine, 500,000 tourists get ready to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympic Games. Brazil has struggled to eliminate Aedes Aegypti, the mosquito vector of Zika and several others viruses, for the last 30 years. As the outbreak erupted on the eve of the Olympics, it globally exposed Brazil's deficient healthcare and sanitation systems and lasting poverty and inequality gaps. It also happened in the wake of a severe political and economic crisis, which determined the state's response to fight the virus. This paper examines the role of military forces as Brazil's response to contain the Zika virus through three perspectives: 1) Brazil's ambition to strengthen its role as a humanitarian superpower; 2) Brazil's shift from a socially conscious approach to a global health issue (the case of HIV) to a forceful response (Zika); and 3) Brazil's attempt to recover leadership, both internally and globally, threatened by the current crisis.

The Zika virus (ZIKV), first discovered in 1947, has emerged as a global public health threat over the last decade, with the accelerated geographic spread of the virus noted during the last 5 years. The World Health Organization (WHO)... more

The Zika virus (ZIKV), first discovered in 1947, has emerged as a global public health threat over the last decade, with the accelerated geographic spread of the virus noted during the last 5 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that millions of cases of ZIKV are likely to occur in the Americas during the next 12 months. These projections, in conjunction with suspected Zika-associated increase in newborn microcephaly cases, prompted WHO to declare public health emergency of international concern. ZIKV-associated illness is characterized by an incubation period of 3-12 days. Most patients remain asymptomatic (i.e., ~80%) after contracting the virus. When symptomatic, clinical presentation is usually mild and consists of a self-limiting febrile illness that lasts approximately 2-7 days. Among common clinical manifestations are fever, arthralgia, conjunctivitis, myalgia, headache, and maculopapular rash. Hospitalization and complication rates are low, with fatalities being extremely rare. Newborn microcephaly, the most devastating and insidious complication associated with the ZIKV, has been described in the offspring of women who became infected while pregnant. Much remains to be elucidated about the timing of ZIKV infection in the context of the temporal progression of pregnancy, the corresponding in utero fetal development stage(s), and the risk of microcephaly. Without further knowledge of the pathophysiology involved, the true risk of ZIKV to the unborn remains difficult to quantify and remediate. Accurate, portable, and inexpensive point-of-care testing is required to better identify cases and manage the current and future outbreaks of ZIKV, including optimization of preventive approaches and the identification of more effective risk reduction strategies. In addition, much more work needs to be done to produce an effective vaccine. Given the rapid geographic spread of ZIKV in recent years, a coordinated local, regional, and global effort is needed to generate sufficient resources and political traction to effectively halt and contain further expansion of the current outbreak.

In the histories of Zika, dengue, and yellow fever in Brazil, which span more than a century, the vector of these viruses, the black-and-white striped Aedes aegypti, has always been framed as the ‘epidemic villain’, as the assumed culprit... more

In the histories of Zika, dengue, and yellow fever in Brazil, which span more than a century, the vector of these viruses, the black-and-white striped Aedes aegypti, has always been framed as the ‘epidemic villain’, as the assumed culprit and the target of governmental policies to control the pathogens it can carry. In this chapter, however, we examine the A. aegypti’s historical trajectory to show how, although there is a continuity in dominant designations of the mosquito as the villain, the epidemiological and political meanings of these virus-mosquito-human interactions significantly change over time. By juxtaposing the analysis of the making of the vector in three historical moments in Brazil as the A. aegypti carried three different viruses (yellow fever, dengue, and Zika), we highlight the importance of the virus-mosquito dyad in the making of the vector. Furthermore, we argue that the mosquito as a vector carried not only three epidemiologically distinct pathogens, but also very different political desires, struggles, and debates.

The ongoing and severe public health threat of viruses of the family Flaviviridae, including dengue, hepatitis C, West Nile, yellow fever, and zika, demand a greater understanding of how these viruses evolve, emerge and spread in order to... more

The ongoing and severe public health threat of viruses of the family Flaviviridae, including dengue, hepatitis C, West Nile, yellow fever, and zika, demand a greater understanding of how these viruses evolve, emerge and spread in order to respond. Central to this understanding is an updated phylogeny of the entire family. Unfortunately, most cladograms of Flaviviridae focus on specific lineages, ignore outgroups, and rely on midpoint rooting, hampering their ability to test ingroup monophyly and estimate ingroup relationships. This problem is partly due to the lack of fully annotated genomes of Flaviviridae, which has gen-era with slightly different gene content, hindering genome analysis without partitioning. To tackle these problems, we developed an annotation pipeline for Flaviviridae that uses a combination of ab initio and homology-based strategies. The pipeline recovered 100% of the genes in reference genomes and annotated over 97% of the expected genes in the remaining non-curated sequences. We further demonstrate that the combined analysis of genomes of all genera of Flaviviridae (Flavivirus, Hepacivirus, Pegivirus, and Pestivirus), as made possible by our annotation strategy, enhances the phylogenetic analyses of these viruses for all optimality criteria that we tested (parsimony, maximum likelihood, and posterior probability). The final tree sheds light on the phylogenetic relationship of viruses that are divergent from most Flaviviridae and should be reclassified, especially the soybean cyst nematode virus 5 (SbCNV-5) and the Tamana bat virus. We also corroborate the close phylogenetic relationship of dengue and zika viruses with an unprecedented degree of support.

This issue of magazine has been focused on one of the major international concerns – “ZIKA”. We have tried to explain everything about Zika Virus to our knowledge. Zika has created havoc in the world; researches are trying their hard to... more

This issue of magazine has been focused on one of the major international concerns – “ZIKA”. We have tried to explain everything about Zika Virus to our knowledge. Zika has created havoc in the world; researches are trying their hard to find out possible way to stop this virus. We hope that they find their success very soon. Apart from ZikV, this issue focuses on use of Bio solar cells as clean energy resource, which is of prime importance in today’s world where we all are utilizing the resources at an alarming rate. There are several other articles focusing on various microbiological aspects of the living world.

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the family Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus. It is a single-stranded positive-sense ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, has its origin traced to Zika forest in Uganda. Its infection leads to ZIKV fever,... more

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the family Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus. It is a single-stranded positive-sense ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus, has its origin traced to Zika forest in Uganda. Its infection leads to ZIKV fever, characterized by arthralgia, myalgia, rash, conjunctivitis, and asthenia. Clinical presentation of the infection is nonspecific and may often be confused with symptoms of other flaviviral diseases (dengue, West Nile [WN], and chikungunya). Recently, ZIKV has been associated with congenital malformations and neurological complications such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barre' syndrome. The viral tropism revealed an infection of the skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and immature dendritic cells through enhanced expression of dendritic cell-specific intracellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin or anexelecto (Greekword: 'uncontrolled') and tyrosine protein kinase receptor 3 systems. Silencing of T-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) and AXL RNAs has shown blockage of viral entry through their anti-TIM-1 and anti-AXL antibodies, hence serving as a potential target for ZIKV drug development. Biotechnological approaches targeted toward ZIKV vector control include the development of transgenic mosquitoes to disrupt the genome pool of wild strains and use of an endosymbiotic bacterium to prevent replication of arboviruses within its vector. Other approaches include the use of gene drive and exploration of the genetic redundancy to disrupt the receptors used by the virus to gain entry into its host. It is also imperative to explore the modality through which neutralizing antibodies block this viral infection as this may prove as a potential target to arrest the viral life cycle.

The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic is associated with microcephaly in newborns. Although the connection between ZIKV and neurodevelopmental defects is widely recognized, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show... more

The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic is associated with microcephaly in newborns. Although the connection between ZIKV and neurodevelopmental defects is widely recognized, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that two recently isolated strains of ZIKV, an American strain from an infected fetal brain (FB-GWUH-2016) and a closely-related Asian strain (H/PF/2013), productively infect human iPSC-derived brain organoids. Both of these strains readily target to and replicate in proliferating ventricular zone (VZ) apical progenitors. The main phenotypic effect was premature differentiation of neural progenitors associated with centrosome perturbation, even during early stages of infection, leading to progenitor depletion, disruption of the VZ, impaired neurogenesis, and cortical thinning. The infection pattern and cellular outcome differ from those seen with the extensively passaged ZIKV strain MR766. The structural changes we see after infection with these more r...