A review on zika virus
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A review on zika virus
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Priyanka S., Sangeeta D., Dr. Sapna M., Anil K. and Nikita S.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A review on zika virus
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20175-7618
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Zika virus, first identified in Uganda's Zika forest in the 1940s, has emerged as a significant health concern, particularly in African and Asian regions, and recently in South America. This mosquito-borne virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, as well as through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Although Zika virus infections are often asymptomatic, they can lead to severe neurological disorders, notably microcephaly in newborns. Currently, there are no specific treatments for Zika virus, and management focuses on supportive care.
Congenital Zika Syndrome
One major area of concern related to Zika virus is its association with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), which results in a range of birth defects in children born to infected mothers. Studies highlight that maternal Zika virus infections can lead to severe abnormalities, including microcephaly, eye defects, and neural tube defects. Researchers note the heightened risks associated with pregnancies during Zika outbreaks, emphasizing the need for increased surveillance and prevention strategies targeting pregnant women. Public health measures must address these risks to mitigate the impact on fetal development and infant health.
Transmission Routes and Epidemiology
The transmission dynamics of Zika virus underscore its ability to spread through multiple routes. In addition to mosquito bites, the virus can be transmitted sexually and through blood transfusions. Cases of mother-to-child transmission during childbirth and via breast milk have been noted, complicating prevention efforts. The life cycle of the Aedes mosquito, including environmental factors like temperature and stagnant water, plays a crucial role in the virus's spread. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing effective public health interventions and implementing control measures in affected regions.
Prevention and Control Measures
Given the absence of a Zika vaccine, prevention efforts are focused on controlling mosquito populations and minimizing transmission risks. Recommended measures include reducing mosquito breeding sites, the use of repellents, and community awareness campaigns. Strategies like regular maintenance of water bodies, promoting sanitation, and screening blood and organ donors for Zika virus are essential components of a comprehensive public health approach. Public health officials must prioritize education and prevention strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus effectively.
Conclusion
Zika virus poses significant health risks, particularly related to maternal and neonatal health. The complex transmission routes and the potential for severe congenital defects highlight the need for a multifaceted public health response. While no specific treatment exists, efforts focused on prevention, community engagement, and research into the virus's epidemiology are critical. To alleviate the burden of Zika virus disease, it is crucial to enhance awareness, control mosquito populations, and protect vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and their newborns.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Zika virus and how is it transmitted?
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease first identified in Uganda. It is primarily transmitted through bites from infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, but can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from an infected mother to her baby.
What are the common symptoms associated with Zika virus infection?
Common symptoms include skin rashes, mild fever, joint pain, and neurological disorders. Many cases are asymptomatic, making it difficult to detect the infection without specific testing.
Is there a specific treatment available for Zika virus infections?
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Zika virus. Recommended measures include rest, increased fluid intake, and pain relievers to manage symptoms.
How does Zika virus affect pregnant women and newborns?
Zika virus can cause serious birth defects in newborns, including microcephaly and other neurological disorders. Infected women may transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth.
What preventive measures can help control Zika virus transmission?
Preventive measures include mosquito-proofing water bodies, using repellants, keeping environments clean, and educating communities. No vaccine is currently available, so awareness is crucial.
What role does temperature play in the life cycle of Zika virus?
Temperature significantly affects the life cycle of Aedes mosquitoes, as the virus may spread more efficiently under warmer conditions, facilitating its reproduction and transmission.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A review on zika virus”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Viru:
Viru refers to a virus, which is a microscopic infectious agent. The Zika virus, specifically, is part of the Flavivirus family and is transmitted predominantly through mosquitoes. Understanding its biology is crucial for epidemiology, control measures, and developing potential vaccines or treatments against viral infections.
2) Disease:
Diseases encompass various pathologies caused by pathogens, including viruses like Zika. The review highlights related vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya, underlining the broader public health challenges posed by these illnesses, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
3) Transmission:
Transmission is the process by which a virus spreads from one host to another. Zika virus transmission occurs mainly through mosquito bites, but it can also happen through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from infected mothers to their babies. Understanding transmission dynamics helps in managing outbreaks.
4) Blood:
Blood is the fluid that circulates in the body, carrying nutrients and oxygen. In the context of the Zika virus, blood can serve as a medium for the virus to spread between individuals, particularly in blood transfusions. Monitoring blood for Zika is essential for preventing its transmission.
5) India:
India is a country mentioned in relation to the Zika virus outbreak. Although Zika has not been reported to cause significant outbreaks there, the presence of similar vector-borne diseases highlights the necessity for continuous surveillance and preventive measures to avoid potential outbreaks in the densely populated country.
6) Life:
Life refers to the biological processes that characterize living organisms. The life cycle of the Zika virus heavily depends on environmental factors, particularly temperature and the presence of suitable mosquito vectors. Understanding these life processes is crucial for understanding how to control the spread of the virus.
7) Forest:
Forest environments, like the Zika forest in Uganda, where the virus was first identified, play a crucial role in the ecology of the mosquitoes that spread the virus. The interaction between natural habitats and human activity can influence the patterns of disease transmission.
8) Barre:
Barre relates to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder associated with Zika virus infections. This syndrome can cause severe muscle weakness and is a direct consequence of the immune response triggered by the virus, highlighting the neurological implications of viral infections.
9) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to women expecting a child. The Zika virus poses significant risks for pregnant women, as it can cause congenital disabilities, including microcephaly, in infected infants. Special measures and monitoring are necessary to protect this vulnerable group from the virus's effects.
10) Death:
Death pertains to the cessation of biological functions in living organisms. Although the Zika virus has not been reported to cause direct fatalities, its association with severe neurological issues emphasizes the importance of preventive health measures to avert long-term health consequences.
11) Pain:
Pain refers to the discomfort experienced by those infected with the virus. Symptoms associated with Zika include joint pain and headaches. Pain management is essential in treating affected individuals as there is no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus infections.
12) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world, including viruses like Zika. Advancements in virology and epidemiology provide essential insights into how viruses work, their transmission, and potential cures or vaccines, ultimately aiding public health efforts.
13) Animal:
Animals signify various living organisms that interact with ecosystems, including those that may contribute to the transmission of viruses. Research around animal interactions aids in understanding the epidemiology of zoonotic viruses such as Zika.
14) Indian:
Indian pertains to aspects related to India, a country in South Asia. The review discusses Zika's epidemiology concerning India, particularly its relative absence, and emphasizes the need for vigilance in monitoring for new outbreaks in light of existing vector-borne diseases.
15) Priya:
Priya is a reference to one of the authors of the reviewed literature on the Zika virus. Collaboration among researchers is crucial for pooling knowledge and resources together to address complex issues surrounding public health and viral outbreaks.
16) Water:
Water is essential for the breeding of mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, the main vector for Zika. Controlling stagnant water sources can significantly reduce mosquito populations, thus decreasing the risk of disease transmission in areas vulnerable to Zika outbreaks.
17) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom of Zika virus infection. Understanding how fever and other symptoms manifest helps in diagnosing the virus and differentiating it from other similar diseases, which is crucial for effective public health responses.
18) Cina:
China represents one of the countries where Zika virus infection studies were conducted. International collaborations are vital for understanding the virus's global transmission patterns and developing strategies to mitigate health risks associated with the virus across different regions.
19) Milk:
Milk refers to breast milk, which can transmit the Zika virus from infected mothers to infants. This highlights the need for healthcare professionals to inform expectant mothers about potential risks and necessary precautions related to breastfeeding.
20) Male:
Male refers to the male mosquitoes, which do not transmit the Zika virus, as the disease is spread solely by females. Understanding the role of different mosquito genders is essential for targeting control measures effectively against the Aedes aegypti mosquito population.
21) Epidemic:
Epidemic refers to an outbreak of a disease that occurs in a specific region and spreads rapidly. Zika has shown epidemic potential in various regions, prompting public health authorities to implement prevention and control measures to curb its spread.
22) Habitat:
Habitat pertains to the living environment that supports the existence and reproduction of the Zika vector, Aedes aegypti. Urbanization affects animal habitats, leading to increased human-mosquito interactions and enhancing transmission risks for Zika and similar diseases.
23) Family:
Family refers to the taxonomic classification of organisms, including the Flaviviridae family to which the Zika virus belongs. Recognizing viral relationships helps inform global health strategies for disease management and potential vaccine development.
24) Reason:
Reason refers to the underlying causes and motivations for research and preventive actions regarding the Zika virus. Understanding the socio-environmental factors influencing Zika transmission informs public health policies aimed at reducing infection rates.
25) Kakar:
Kakar is mentioned in the context of studies related to Zika virus infections in pregnant women. Collaborative research efforts are essential to uncover the impact of Zika on maternal and neonatal health, advancing understanding and management of outbreak implications.
26) Birth:
Birth relates to the process of delivering offspring, which can be affected by Zika virus. Congenital defects linked to infected mothers underscore the importance of monitoring pregnant women to prevent potential birth complications caused by Zika.
27) Genu:
Genu might refer to the genus of the virus or its classification context. Understanding the genomic makeup of Zika contributes significantly to the scientific knowledge required for vaccine development and epidemiological tracking.
28) Anna:
Anna refers to an author involved in the literature review on Zika. The collaborative accumulation of research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the virus and informs public health initiatives aimed at controlling its spread.
29) Neem:
Neem refers to a plant known for its insect-repellent properties. Utilizing neem and similar natural repellents is among the integrated vector management strategies suggested to reduce mosquito populations and lower the risk of Zika virus transmission.
30) Net:
Nets refer to mosquito nets, which are essential in preventing mosquito bites. The use of insecticide-treated nets is a critical public health intervention to protect against vector-borne diseases like Zika, especially in endemic regions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘A review on zika virus’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Remedial measure, Incubation period, Neurological disorder, Aedes aegypti mosquito, Vector control.