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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
[Zika fever]
S Eftekhari-Hassanlouie1, A Le Guern1, E Oehler1
1Service de médecine interne et polyvalente, centre hospitalier de Polynésie française, avenue du Général-de-Gaulle, 98716 Pirae Tahiti, Polynésie française.
Abstract:
Zika virus infection is an emerging arboviral disease which presented as a mild flu-like or algo-eruptive syndrome with fever, arthralgia, myalgia and a maculopapulous eruption. Severe neurological and fetal complications have recently been highlighted. Diagnosis is established by detection of viral RNA by Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Many publications report on the progress of knowledge on zika and its complications. Treatment is symptomatic, mainly with analgesics. Prevention is essential through individual and collective vector control. Faced with this emerging arbovirus, health authorities of many countries have implemented significant resources to accelerate research efforts including on diagnostic tests and on the development of vaccines. In Europe, the presence of Aedes albopictus, a mosquito vector of the virus zika, runs the risk of autochthonous cases as well as autochthonous dengue or chikungunya fever. Hence, autochthonous zika fever is not excluded to appear during the warmest months in metropolitan French departments colonized by A. albopictus.
Insights
Zika virus infection, an emerging arboviral disease, causes flu-like symptoms and severe complications. Diagnosis uses Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), with prevention focused on vector control and vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus is an emerging arbovirus causing mild flu-like symptoms, maculopapulous rash, arthralgia, and myalgia.
- Severe neurological and fetal complications associated with Zika virus infection have been increasingly recognized.
- The presence of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Europe poses a risk for autochthonous Zika virus transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on Zika virus infection, including its clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- To highlight the potential risk of autochthonous Zika virus cases in Europe.
- To emphasize the ongoing research efforts in diagnostics and vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis is primarily established through the detection of viral RNA using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR).
- Information is synthesized from existing publications on Zika virus and its complications.
- Vector control strategies are identified as crucial for prevention.
Main Results:
- Zika virus infection typically presents with mild symptoms but can lead to severe neurological and fetal issues.
- Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is the standard diagnostic method.
- Symptomatic treatment and vector control are the current management and prevention strategies.
Conclusions:
- Zika virus infection poses a significant public health concern due to its emerging nature and potential complications.
- Effective prevention relies heavily on controlling the Aedes albopictus mosquito vector.
- Continued research into diagnostics and vaccines is critical for managing future outbreaks, especially in regions like Europe with established mosquito populations.
