Abstract

ARTHOPOD BORNE INFECTION ZIKA VIRUS

Geeta*, Reshu Virmani Charan Singh, Tarun Virmani and Jyoti Gupta

ABSTRACT

This review on zika virus is to provide the complete information about their vector and control the infection. Zika virus is an arthropod borne infection. Mosquitos are the main causative agent of this disease. Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 in Uganda in zika forest in a rhesus monkey. Zika virus (ZIKV; Genus Flavivirus, Family Flaviviridae) is an RNA-containing flavivirus transmitted in a zoonotic cycle between arboreal Aedes spp. mosquitoes and nonhuman primates in African and Asian forests. This virus is closely related to the other Flaviviridae of public health importance involving dengue, yellow fever, West Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses. Transmission likely occurs through mosquito vectors from the Aedes genus of the Culicidae family in a sylvatic cycle including nonhuman primates, although antibodies have been found in a number of other mammals (i.e., water buffalo, elephants, zebras). Diagnostic tests for ZIKV infection include Polymerase Chain reactions (PCR) tests on acute-phase serum samples, which detect viral RNA, and other tests to detect specific antibody against ZIKV in serum. An enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) has been discovered to detect immunoglobulin (Ig) M to ZIKV. The virus can be spread by sexually and by the bite of infected mosquitos and by other mammals. Vector control is the useful factor for control and prevention of this virus; vector should be controlled by using mosquitos repellent and by proper hygiene. There is no specific vaccine and medicine to treat zika virus infection, acetaminophen is used to relieve from pain and fever.

Keywords: ZIKV, PCR, ELISA, Arthropods, Zoonotic, Aedes.