Zika virus: The transboundary pathogen from mosquito and updates
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Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Weili Kong1, Hengtao Li2, Jian Zhu3
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that was relatively obscure until outbreaks started in 2013. ZIKV is associated with neurological manifestations such as Guillan-Barrè Syndrome in adult and microcephaly in the newborn population. Although the majority of disease mechanisms of ZIKV is unclear, some information was updated with new scientific evidence. Currently, there are no approved drugs or vaccine that can be used for therapy during ZIKV infection. Based on the transmission mechanism of ZIKV, vector control and safe sex seem to be the most effective available preventive measures against ZIKV spread. This study summarized the current ZIKV epidemiology, the status of the existing pathogenic mechanism of ZIKV, the development of potential compounds and vaccines against ZIKV, and the control efforts against ZIKV.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks pose neurological risks like microcephaly. This review covers ZIKV epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential treatments, and control strategies, as no approved vaccines or drugs currently exist.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, gained prominence after 2013 outbreaks.
- ZIKV is linked to severe neurological conditions, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome in adults and microcephaly in newborns.
- Current understanding of ZIKV's disease mechanisms remains incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current epidemiology of ZIKV.
- To review the pathogenic mechanisms of ZIKV.
- To discuss the development of potential therapeutics and vaccines, alongside control efforts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ZIKV epidemiology.
- Analysis of scientific evidence on ZIKV pathogenesis.
- Survey of research on ZIKV vaccine and drug development.
- Examination of ZIKV control strategies.
Main Results:
- ZIKV outbreaks have significant public health implications due to associated neurological disorders.
- Despite ongoing research, effective antiviral therapies and vaccines are still under development.
- Vector control and safe sex practices are currently the primary preventive measures.
Conclusions:
- Effective ZIKV control requires a multi-faceted approach, including ongoing research and public health interventions.
- Further studies are needed to fully elucidate ZIKV pathogenesis and develop targeted treatments.
- Preventive measures like vector control and safe sex are crucial for mitigating ZIKV spread.
