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Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Emergence and Spreading Potential of Zika Virus
Álvaro Fajardo1, Juan Cristina1, Pilar Moreno1
1Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República Montevideo, Uruguay.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) closely related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses. ZIKV remained neglected, confined to enzootic transmission cycles in Africa and Asia, until the first significant outbreak was reported in Micronesia in 2007. Subsequent epidemics of growing incidence occurred in French Polynesia and other South Pacific Islands, and recently, in the Americas. The latter and currently ongoing outbreak of unprecedented incidence revealed the association of ZIKV infection with the occurrence of severe congenital malformations and neurological diseases, leading to a widespread concern about its potential to pose a global public health threat. Serological and molecular data suggest that the genetic and geographic diversification of ZIKV may be greatly underestimated. Here we discuss several ecological and epidemiological aspects, together with the evolutionary processes that may have driven the emergence and abrupt spread of ZIKV in the Americas.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus, has rapidly spread globally, causing severe congenital malformations and neurological diseases. This highlights the urgent need to understand its ecological and evolutionary drivers.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV), an arthropod-borne flavivirus, was historically confined to Africa and Asia.
- Significant outbreaks in Micronesia (2007), the South Pacific, and the Americas have increased global incidence.
- The recent Americas outbreak revealed ZIKV's association with severe congenital malformations and neurological diseases, raising public health concerns.
Approach:
- Review of ecological and epidemiological data.
- Analysis of evolutionary processes.
- Assessment of genetic and geographic diversification.
Key Points:
- ZIKV emergence and spread in the Americas is unprecedented.
- Association with severe congenital malformations and neurological conditions confirmed.
- Genetic and geographic diversification of ZIKV may be underestimated.
Conclusions:
- Ecological and evolutionary factors are critical to understanding ZIKV emergence.
- Continued surveillance and research are necessary to address the global public health threat posed by ZIKV.
- Understanding ZIKV's diversification is key to predicting and controlling future outbreaks.
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