Complete Genome Sequence of a Colombian Zika Virus Strain Obtained from BALB/c Mouse Brain after Intraperitoneal
Katherine Laiton-Donato1, Diego A Álvarez-Díaz2, Aura Caterine Rengifo3
1Grupo de Virología, Dirección de Redes en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá, DC, Colombia.
Abstract:
A Zika virus (ZIKV) strain was isolated from an acute febrile patient during the Zika epidemics in Colombia. The strain was intraperitoneally inoculated into BALB/c mice, and 7 days postinoculation, neurological manifestations and ZIKV infection in the brain were demonstrated. The reported genome sequence is highly related to strains circulating in the Americas.
Insights
Researchers isolated a Zika virus (ZIKV) strain from Colombia, demonstrating ZIKV infection and neurological symptoms in mice. This strain is genetically similar to other Zika viruses found in the Americas.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks have caused significant public health concerns globally.
- Understanding the neuropathogenesis of ZIKV is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventative measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel Zika virus strain isolated during Colombian epidemics.
- To investigate the neuroinvasive potential of this ZIKV strain in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and sequencing of a ZIKV strain from a febrile patient.
- Intraperitoneal inoculation of BALB/c mice with the ZIKV strain.
- Assessment of neurological manifestations and ZIKV presence in the brain post-infection.
Main Results:
- A ZIKV strain was successfully isolated from a patient with acute febrile illness.
- Inoculated mice exhibited neurological symptoms and confirmed ZIKV infection in the brain tissues.
- The genome sequence of the isolated strain showed high similarity to other ZIKV strains prevalent in the Americas.
Conclusions:
- The isolated ZIKV strain possesses neuroinvasive capabilities, as evidenced by the murine model.
- This finding highlights the potential neurological impact of ZIKV strains circulating in the Americas.
- Further research is warranted to understand the full spectrum of ZIKV-associated neurological complications.
