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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Zika Virus and the Eye
Rupesh Agrawal1,2,3, Hnin Hnin Oo2, Praveen Kumar Balne3
1a National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital , Singapore.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is the latest global health concern. Transmission is mainly via Aedes mosquitoes and the infection can be diagnosed on molecular or serologic testings. It typically causes a mild self-remitting illness of low-grade fever, maculopapular rash, and myalgia, but when severe, it is associated with neurological deficits and congenital structural defects. Ocular manifestations are usually mild like nonpurulent conjunctivitis in adults, though it may be linked to uveitis, maculopathy, and hypertensive iridocyclitis. Ocular signs seem to be more significant in congenital ZIKV-macular pigment mottling, neuroretinal atrophy with macular involvement, iris coloboma, and changes in retinal vasculature are noted in infants with infected mothers. Risk factors include ZIKV infection in first trimester and smaller cephalic diameter at birth. Hence, ophthalmic examination in newborns is now recommended. Currently, prevention and active surveillance are integral as there is no known vaccine, and treatment is only symptomatic.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, can cause mild illness or severe neurological and congenital defects. Ocular manifestations are more significant in infants, necessitating newborn ophthalmic exams.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus posing a global health threat.
- ZIKV infection typically presents as a mild illness but can lead to severe neurological and congenital defects.
- Ocular manifestations of ZIKV range from mild conjunctivitis in adults to significant retinal and optic nerve issues in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of Zika virus (ZIKV) and its impact on ocular health.
- To highlight the importance of ophthalmic examinations in newborns exposed to ZIKV.
- To emphasize the need for prevention and surveillance due to the lack of a vaccine and specific treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and ocular findings.
- Analysis of reported cases of congenital Zika syndrome and associated ophthalmic abnormalities.
- Synthesis of current recommendations for diagnosis, prevention, and management of ZIKV infections.
Main Results:
- ZIKV is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and diagnosed through molecular or serologic tests.
- Severe ZIKV cases are linked to neurological deficits and congenital structural defects.
- Congenital ZIKV infection can cause significant ocular issues in infants, including macular pigment mottling and neuroretinal atrophy.
Conclusions:
- Ophthalmic examination is recommended for newborns born to mothers infected with ZIKV, especially during the first trimester.
- Risk factors for severe congenital ocular manifestations include first-trimester infection and smaller birth cephalic diameter.
- Prevention and active surveillance are crucial for managing ZIKV, as no vaccine or specific treatment is available.
