Zika Virus Disease for the Neurointensivist
Daniel M Pastula1, Julia C Durrant2, Daniel E Smith3
1Neuro-Infectious Diseases Group, Department of Neurology and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver, 12401 East 17th Avenue, Mailstop L950, Room 486, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. Daniel.Pastula@ucdenver.edu.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne and sexually transmitted flavivirus currently spreading throughout the Pacific and Western Hemisphere. ZIKV infection is often either asymptomatic or causes a self-limiting illness with symptoms such as rash, fever, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, or conjunctivitis. Rarely, ZIKV infection has been associated with conditions such as severe thrombocytopenia, microcephaly and other developmental abnormalities, acute polyneuropathy/Guillain-Barré syndrome, myelitis, meningoencephalitis, transient encephalopathy, provoked seizures, and various ophthalmologic conditions. Optimal treatment of these ZIKV-associated conditions is currently unclear and is largely guided by expert opinion or case reports/series. Further studies are needed to establish best treatment practices. This review concentrates on caring by neurointensivists for the patient affected with Zika virus-expected to flare up again in the summer.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause mild illness or severe neurological conditions. Optimal treatment for ZIKV-associated neurological complications requires further research and expert guidance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes and sexual contact.
- ZIKV infection typically presents as a mild, self-limiting illness.
- Rarely, ZIKV is associated with severe neurological and developmental conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neurological complications associated with Zika virus infection.
- To discuss the current understanding of managing ZIKV-affected patients, particularly those with neurological involvement.
- To highlight the need for further research into optimal treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on ZIKV-associated neurological conditions.
- Synthesis of expert opinion and case reports on patient management.
- Emphasis on neurointensivist care for severe ZIKV cases.
Main Results:
- ZIKV can manifest with a range of symptoms, from mild to severe neurological sequelae.
- Current treatment approaches for ZIKV-associated neurological conditions are not well-established.
- Expert opinion and case series guide current management practices.
Conclusions:
- Optimal treatment for ZIKV-associated neurological conditions remains unclear.
- Further clinical studies are essential to establish evidence-based treatment guidelines.
- Neurointensivist care is crucial for managing severe ZIKV neurological complications.
