Zika Virus-associated Ocular and Neurologic Disorders: The Emergence of New Evidence
Fatih Şahiner1, Ali Korhan Siğ, Ümit Savaşçi
1From the *Department of Medical Microbiology, Gulhane Medical Faculty, University of Health Sciences, and †Department of Infectious Disease, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, and ‡Department of Medical Microbiology, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, and §Department of Ophthalmology, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Turkey.
Background:
It has been approximately 70 years since the discovery of the Zika virus (ZIKV). It had been established that the virus causes mild infections and is confined to Africa and Asia; however, major changes in the clinical and epidemiologic patterns of ZIKV infection have occurred in recent years. The virus has attracted intense interest because of the possible association of several autoimmune and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Methods:
We present a summary of the articles that attempt to explain the ZIKV unknowns and strengthen the association with some disorders that are thought to be related to ZIKV, by describing the discovery milestones from the initial identification of the virus to the present day.
Results:
New evidence strengthens the association between ZIKV infections and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), microcephaly and various neurodevelopmental and ophthalmologic disorders as a result of numerous new clinical and experimental studies.
Conclusions:
The World Health Organization declared the end of the "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" in December 2016, but ZIKV and associated consequences remain a significant enduring public health challenge.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, once thought mild, is now linked to serious conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly. Despite the 2016 emergency declaration ending, ZIKV remains a significant global health concern.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered 70 years ago and was previously considered to cause only mild infections, primarily in Africa and Asia.
- Recent years have seen significant shifts in ZIKV's clinical and epidemiological patterns, sparking global interest due to potential links with autoimmune and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize research on ZIKV unknowns and its association with various disorders.
- To detail the discovery milestones of ZIKV from its initial identification to the present day.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing studies.
- Analysis of clinical and experimental data on ZIKV infection.
Main Results:
- Emerging evidence confirms a stronger association between ZIKV infections and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
- New studies highlight ZIKV's link to microcephaly and other neurodevelopmental and ophthalmologic disorders.
Conclusions:
- Although the World Health Organization ended the "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" in December 2016, ZIKV and its sequelae continue to pose a substantial public health challenge.
- Ongoing research is crucial for understanding and managing the long-term consequences of ZIKV infections.
