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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Zika virus infections
F de Laval1, I Leparc-Goffart2, J-B Meynard3
1Centre d'épidémiologie et de santé publique des Armées, Camp militaire de Sainte-Marthe, BP 40026, 13568 Marseille cedex 02, France, Direction interarmées du service de santé en Guyane, Quartier La Madeleine, BP 6019, 97306 Cayenne cedex, Guyane française.
Abstract:
Since its discovery in 1947 in Uganda, the Zika virus (ZIKV) remained in the shadows emerging in 2007 in Micronesia, where hundreds of dengue-like syndromes were reported. Then, in 2013-2014, it was rife in French Polynesia, where the first neurological effects were observed. More recently, its arrival in Brazil was accompanied by an unusually high number of children with microcephaly born to mothers infected with ZIKV during the first trimester of pregnancy. In 2016, the World Health Organization declared ZIKV infection to be a public health emergency and now talks about a ZIKV pandemic. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about ZIKV infection, successively addressing its transmission, epidemiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention before discussing some perspectives.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, initially discovered in 1947, has emerged as a global health concern, linked to neurological issues and microcephaly. This review covers ZIKV transmission, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) was first identified in Uganda in 1947.
- Sporadic outbreaks occurred in Micronesia (2007) and French Polynesia (2013-2014), with the latter noting neurological effects.
- The virus gained global attention following its association with microcephaly in Brazil starting in 2015.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection.
- To synthesize current knowledge on ZIKV transmission, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations.
- To discuss diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies for ZIKV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ZIKV research.
- Synthesis of epidemiological data.
- Analysis of clinical case reports and public health declarations.
Main Results:
- ZIKV outbreaks have increased in frequency and geographic scope.
- A significant link exists between maternal ZIKV infection during pregnancy and congenital microcephaly.
- The World Health Organization declared ZIKV a public health emergency in 2016.
Conclusions:
- ZIKV poses a significant threat to global public health.
- Continued research is crucial for understanding and combating ZIKV.
- Effective prevention and control strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of ZIKV outbreaks.
