Abstract

EMERGENCE OF ZIKA VIRUS INFECTION AND EFFECT IN PREGNANCY

Chachu Kuriakose, Sekar V.* and Sambathkumar R.

ABSTRACT

Zika virus is an arthropod-borne, positive sense, single stranded RNA virus which comes under the Flaviviridae family. It was first isolated from a forest in Uganda, in rhesus monkey (1947) and was named after the forest. Later it was found that there exist a coincidence with the detection of circulating Zika virus and alarming increase in birth defects. The objective of the study was to determine the plausible relationship between the Zika virus infection and foetal brain abnormalities. Clinical manifestations of infection are fever (37.8°C–38.5°C), macropapular rash, arthralgia, myalgia, retro-orbital pain, headache and conjunctivitis. Mode of transmission include mosquito-borne (aedes mosquito) and non-mosquito borne transmission (Maternal-foetal and sexual transmission, blood transfusion, laboratory exposure and organ transplantation). The actual mechanism underlying the teratogenic outcomes are not yet determined, though there exist intensive investigations. Some of the determined mechanisms were the replication of virus in multiple cell types (including human foetal neural progenitors) and lack of cell intrinsic immunity. There are no specific management for this infection. Symptomatic treatment may include increased fluid intake to compensate dehydration, bed rest and administration of antihistamines, analgesics and antipyretics like acetaminophen. Preventive therapy may include compacting the vector, use of repellents or bed nets, creating awareness programmes and by providing psychological support. This review describes the clinical profile of Zika virus infection, its effect on pregnancy, mechanism underlying the birth defects especially microcephaly, as well as the future outlook to this disease.

Keywords: Zika virus, aedes mosquitoe, pregnancy, microcephaly.