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Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Genomic and Epidemiological Surveillance of Zika Virus in the Amazon Region
Marta Giovanetti1, Nuno Rodrigues Faria2, José Lourenço3
1Laboratório de Flavivírus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) has caused an explosive epidemic linked to severe clinical outcomes in the Americas. As of June 2018, 4,929 ZIKV suspected infections and 46 congenital syndrome cases had been reported in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Although Manaus is a key demographic hub in the Amazon region, little is known about the ZIKV epidemic there, in terms of both transmission and viral genetic diversity. Using portable virus genome sequencing, we generated 59 ZIKV genomes in Manaus. Phylogenetic analyses indicated multiple introductions of ZIKV from northeastern Brazil to Manaus. Spatial genomic analysis of virus movement among six areas in Manaus suggested that populous northern neighborhoods acted as sources of virus transmission to other neighborhoods. Our study revealed how the ZIKV epidemic was ignited and maintained within the largest urban metropolis in the Amazon. These results might contribute to improving the public health response to outbreaks in Brazil.
Insights
The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Manaus, Brazil, was driven by multiple introductions and spread from populous northern areas. This study reveals transmission dynamics within the Amazon
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genomics
Background:
- The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in the Americas has been linked to severe clinical outcomes.
- Manaus, Brazil, a major Amazonian hub, reported thousands of ZIKV infections and congenital syndrome cases by June 2018.
- Limited understanding of ZIKV transmission and genetic diversity in Manaus hindered effective public health responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origins and transmission patterns of the ZIKV epidemic in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.
- To analyze the viral genetic diversity of ZIKV strains circulating in Manaus.
- To understand the spatial dynamics of ZIKV spread within the urban environment of Manaus.
Main Methods:
- Portable virus genome sequencing was employed to generate 59 ZIKV genomes.
- Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to infer viral evolutionary relationships and introduction events.
- Spatial genomic analysis was used to map virus movement and identify transmission hotspots within Manaus.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple introductions of ZIKV into Manaus, primarily from northeastern Brazil.
- Spatial genomic analysis indicated that populous northern neighborhoods served as primary sources for ZIKV transmission to other areas.
- The study successfully elucidated the ignition and maintenance mechanisms of the ZIKV epidemic in Manaus.
Conclusions:
- The ZIKV epidemic in Manaus was characterized by multiple introductions and localized transmission dynamics.
- Understanding these transmission patterns is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions.
- The findings provide valuable insights for managing future arbovirus outbreaks in large urban centers within the Amazon region.
