Exploring miRNAs as the key to understand symptoms induced by ZIKA virus infection through a collaborative database.

In early 2015, a ZIKA Virus (ZIKV) infection outbreak was recognized in northeast Brazil, where concerns over its possible links with infant microcephaly have been discussed. Providing a definitive link between ZIKV infection and birth defects is still a big challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small noncoding RNAs that regulating post-transcriptional gene expression by translational repression, and play important roles in viral pathogenesis and brain development. The potential for flavivirus-mediated miRNA signaling dysfunction in brain-tissue develop provides a compelling mechanism underlying perceived linked between ZIKV and microcephaly. Here, we provide novel evidences toward to understand the mechanism in which miRNAs can be linked to the congenital ZIKA syndrome symptoms. Moreover, following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, we have assembled a database to help target mechanistic investigations of this possible relationship between ZIKV symptoms and miRNA mediated human gene expression, helping to foster potential targets for therapy.

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Preventing Zika virus infection during pregnancy by timing conception seasonally

10.7287/peerj.preprints.1818 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Micaela E Martinez-Bakker

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Fetal Death ◽

Viral Infections ◽

World Health ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

Transmission Season ◽

In Trans ◽

Congenital Microcephaly ◽

Health Organization ◽

Cns Malformations

It has come to light that Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can result in trans-placental transmission to the fetus along with fetal death, congenital microcephaly and/or Central Nervous System (CNS) malformations. There are projected to be > 9, 200, 000 births annually in countries with ongoing ZIKV transmission. In response to the ZIKV threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) is strategically targeting prevention of infection in pregnant women and funding contraception in epidemic regions. I propose that the damaging effects of ZIKV can be reduced by timing pregnancy seasonally to minimize maternal exposure. Like other acute viral infections—including the related flavivirus, dengue virus (DENV)—the transmission of ZIKV is anticipated to be seasonal. By seasonally planning pregnancy, this aspect of pathogen ecology can be leveraged to align sensitive periods of gestation with the low-transmission season.

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Zika Virus Infection in Tourists Travelling to Thailand: Case Series Report

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease ◽

10.3390/tropicalmed6010003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 3

Author(s):

Natàlia Romaní ◽

Marie Antoinette Frick ◽

Elena Sulleiro ◽

Carlota Rodó ◽

María Espiau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Case Series ◽

World Health ◽

Prenatally Exposed ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

Case Series Report ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Health Organization ◽

Health Care Monitoring

Thailand is a popular tourist destination where Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission is currently active. To our knowledge, there are no reports of ZIKV infection imported from Thailand and affecting children. Here, we describe the clinical and microbiological findings in three cases of vector-borne ZIKV infection: An 11-year-old boy, a 2-year-old girl, and her pregnant mother, this last case leading to the prenatal exposure of her second baby to ZIKV in the second trimester of pregnancy. All patients were diagnosed after traveling to Thailand between September 2019 and January 2020. No complications were detected in any patient at follow-up, and the prenatally exposed fetus showed no abnormalities during intensive antenatal health care monitoring. On postnatal study, there were no clinical signs or microbiological findings of mother-to-child ZIKV transmission. ZIKV IgG was initially positive, but seroreversion occurred at 4 months of life. This report describes the clinical and serological evolution of vector-borne ZIKV infection occurring in dengue-naïve tourists returning from Thailand. The World Health Organization currently recommends that pre-travel advice to prevent arbovirus infection should be maintained in travelers to Southeast Asia.

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Global RNAseq of ocular cells reveals gene dysregulation in both asymptomatic and with Congenital Zika Syndrome infants exposed prenatally to Zika virus

10.1101/2020.10.20.20214403 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Livia Rosa-Fernandes ◽

Amina Bedrat ◽

Maria Luiza B. dos Santos ◽

Ana Pinto ◽

E Lucena ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Neuronal Cell ◽

Embryonic Cells ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

Gene Dysregulation ◽

Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽

Invasive Method ◽

And Control

AbstractIn 2015, Brazil reported an outbreak identified as Zika virus (ZIKV) infection associated with congenital abnormalities. To date, a total of 86 countries and territories have described evidence of Zika infection and recently the appearance of the African ZIKV lineage in Brazil highlights the risk of a new epidemic. The spectrum of ZIKV infection-induced alterations at both cellular and molecular levels is not completely elucidated. Here, we present for the first time the gene expression responses associated with prenatal ZIKV infection from ocular cells. We applied a recently developed non-invasive method (impression cytology) which use eye cells as a model for ZIKV studies. The ocular profiling revealed significant differences between exposed and control groups, as well as a different pattern in ocular transcripts from Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) compared to ZIKV-exposed but asymptomatic infants. Our data showed pathways related to mismatch repair, cancer, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and genes probably causative or protective in the modulation of ZIKV infection. Ocular cells revealed the effects of ZIKV infection on primordial neuronal cell genes, evidenced by changes in genes associated with embryonic cells. The changes in gene expression support an association with the gestational period of the infection and provide evidence for the resulting clinical and ophthalmological pathologies. Additionally, the findings of cell death- and cancer-associated deregulated genes raise concerns about the early onset of other potential pathologies including the need for tumor surveillance. Our results thus provide direct evidence that infants exposed prenatally to the Zika virus, not only with CZS but also without clinical signs (asymptomatic) express cellular and molecular changes with potential clinical implications.

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Implications of Zika virus and congenital Zika syndrome for the number of live births in Brazil

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1718476115 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 115 (24) ◽

pp. 6177-6182 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Marcia C. Castro ◽

Qiuyi C. Han ◽

Lucas R. Carvalho ◽

Cesar G. Victora ◽

Giovanny V. A. França

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Fetal Death ◽

Social Inequalities ◽

World Health ◽

Death Rates ◽

Live Births ◽

Abortion Complications ◽

Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Impact

An increase in microcephaly, associated with an epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil, prompted the World Health Organization to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in February 2016. While knowledge on biological and epidemiological aspects of ZIKV has advanced, demographic impacts remain poorly understood. This study uses time-series analysis to assess the impact of ZIKV on births. Data on births, fetal deaths, and hospitalizations due to abortion complications for Brazilian states, from 2010 to 2016, were used. Forecasts for September 2015 to December 2016 showed that 119,095 fewer births than expected were observed, particularly after April 2016 (a reduction significant at 0.05), demonstrating a link between publicity associated with the ZIKV epidemic and the decline in births. No significant changes were observed in fetal death rates. Although no significant increases in hospitalizations were forecasted, after the ZIKV outbreak hospitalizations happened earlier in the gestational period in most states. We argue that postponement of pregnancy and an increase in abortions may have contributed to the decline in births. Also, it is likely that an increase in safe abortions happened, albeit selective by socioeconomic status. Thus, the ZIKV epidemic resulted in a generation of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) babies that reflect and exacerbate regional and social inequalities. Since ZIKV transmission has declined, it is unlikely that reductions in births will continue. However, the possibility of a new epidemic is real. There is a need to address gaps in reproductive health and rights, and to understand CZS risk to better inform conception decisions.

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Zika Virus and the Water Supply Chain

International Supply Chain Technology Journal ◽

10.20545/isctj.v3i04.96 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (04) ◽

Author(s):

Chakaela N Turner

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Neurological Complications ◽

Subcortical White Matter ◽

World Health ◽

Autoimmune Response ◽

Response Measure ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

The World ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Health Organization

Recently, an epidemic broke out in South America, more specifically Brazil, which is harmful to women baring a child. This epidemic originally began in West Africa. This concern is associated with the increased incident of microcephaly in newborns to mothers infected by the virus. An ultrasound performed at 29 weeks of development uncovered microcephaly with calcifications in the fetal mind and placenta (Miaker, 2016). After the mother asked for a termination of the pregnancy, a fetal post-mortem examination was performed. Microcephaly was seen with verging multifocal dystrophic calcifications in the cortex and subcortical white matter, with related cortical dislodging and gentle central irritation. Zika Virus, or ZIKV, was found in the fetal cerebrum tissue on converse transcriptase–polymerase-chain-response measure, with predictable discoveries on electron microscopy. The complete genome of the virus was recuperated from the fetal mind (Miaker, 2016). The outbreak of “Guillian-Barre Syndrome, [a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves], and Microcephaly, [meaning little cerebrum], have led the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. Gangliosides are crucial in brain development, and their expression correlates with neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, and cell proliferation. Targeting the autoimmune response to gangliosides may represent an underexploited opportunity to examine the increased incidence of neurological complications related to ZIKV infection” (Anaya et al., 2016). The purpose of this literature review is to determine the effects of the ZIKV on the nervous system in humans and across other species; we will also determine how Gullain-Barre Syndrome, or GBS, and Microcephaly are developed, and a probable cure to ZIKV.

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ZIKA VIRUS: REVIEW OF CURRENT STATUS

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research ◽

10.22159/ajpcr.2018.v11i7.25377 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 30

Author(s):

Koppala Rvs Chaitanya ◽

Venna R Surya Anusha

Keyword(s):

Vertical Transmission ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Historical Background ◽

World Health ◽

Current Status ◽

Potential Threat ◽

Background Structure ◽

The World ◽

Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽

Health Organization

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus which startled the world with its tremendous outbreaks in Africa, America, Asia, and Pacific region. Although the symptoms are mild such as fever and headache, its complications are severe in newborn: Guillain-Barre Syndrome and congenital Zika syndrome including microcephaly. Its ability to transmit through vector and non-vector means especially vertical transmission made it a potential threat. The World Health Organization with the support of other organizations implemented several programs to eradicate the spread of the virus. Development of a vaccine for ZIKV is still under clinical trials. An anti-hepatitis C drug was repurposed for treating infected persons especially pregnant women to limit vertical transmission of ZIKV. This review focuses on the historical background, structure, phylogeny, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ZIKV along with strategies planned for control and monitoring of ZIKV.

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Preventing Zika virus infection during pregnancy by timing conception seasonally

10.7287/peerj.preprints.1818v3 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Micaela E Martinez-Bakker

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Fetal Death ◽

Viral Infections ◽

World Health ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

Transmission Season ◽

In Trans ◽

Congenital Microcephaly ◽

Health Organization ◽

Cns Malformations

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Zika Virus-Specific IgY Results Are Therapeutic Following a Lethal Zika Virus Challenge without Inducing Antibody-Dependent Enhancement

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v11030301 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 301 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kyle O’Donnell ◽

Bernadette Meberg ◽

James Schiltz ◽

Matthew Nilles ◽

David Bradley

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Denv Infection ◽

Western Hemisphere ◽

World Health ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

Antibody Dependent Enhancement ◽

Virus Challenge ◽

Health Organization

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a newly emerged pathogen in the Western hemisphere. It was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization in 2016. There have been 223,477 confirmed cases, including 3720 congenital syndrome cases since 2015. ZIKV infection symptoms range from asymptomatic to Gullain–Barré syndrome and extensive neuropathology in infected fetuses. Passive and active vaccines have been unsuccessful in the protection from or the treatment of flaviviral infections due to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). ADE causes an increased viral load due to an increased monocyte opsonization by non-neutralizing, low-avidity antibodies from a previous dengue virus (DENV) infection or from a previous exposure to ZIKV. We have previously demonstrated that polyclonal avian IgY generated against whole-killed DENV-2 ameliorates DENV infection in mice while not inducing ADE. This is likely due to the inability of the Fc portion of IgY to bind to mammalian Fc receptors. We have shown here that ZIKV oligoclonal IgY is able to neutralize the virus in vitro and in IFNAR−/− mice. The concentration of ZIKV-specific IgY yielding 50% neutralization (NT50) was 25 µg/mL. The exposure of the ZIKV, prior to culture with ZIKV-specific IgY or 4G2 flavivirus-enveloped IgG, demonstrated that the ZIKV-specific IgY does not induce ADE. ZIKV IgY was protective in vivo when administered following a lethal ZIKV challenge in 3-week-old IFNAR−/− mice. We propose polyclonal ZIKV-specific IgY may provide a viable passive immunotherapy for a ZIKV infection without inducing ADE.

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Zika virus infection as a cause of congenital brain abnormalities and Guillain-Barré syndrome: A living systematic review

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.19918.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 1433 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Michel Jacques Counotte ◽

Kaspar Walter Meili ◽

Katayoun Taghavi ◽

Guilherme Calvet ◽

James Sejvar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Causal Relation ◽

Case Control ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

World Health ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

Health Organization ◽

Strength Of Association

Background: The Zika virus (ZIKV) caused a large outbreak in the Americas leading to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in February 2016. A causal relation between infection and adverse congenital outcomes such as microcephaly was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) informed by a systematic review structured according to a framework of ten dimensions of causality, based on the work of Bradford Hill. Subsequently, the evidence has continued to accumulate, which we incorporate in regular updates of the original work, rendering it a living systematic review. Methods: We present an update of our living systematic review on the causal relation between ZIKV infection and adverse congenital outcomes and between ZIKV and GBS for four dimensions of causality: strength of association, dose-response, specificity, and consistency. We assess the evidence published between January 18, 2017 and July 1, 2019. Results: We found that the strength of association between ZIKV infection and adverse outcomes from case-control studies differs according to whether exposure to ZIKV is assessed in the mother (OR 3.8, 95% CI: 1.7-8.7, I2=19.8%) or the foetus/infant (OR 37.4, 95% CI: 11.0-127.1, I2=0%). In cohort studies, the risk of congenital abnormalities was 3.5 times higher after ZIKV infection (95% CI: 0.9-13.5, I2=0%). The strength of association between ZIKV infection and GBS was higher in studies that enrolled controls from hospital (OR: 55.8, 95% CI: 17.2-181.7, I2=0%) than in studies that enrolled controls at random from the same community or household (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 0.8-5.4, I2=74.6%). In case-control studies, selection of controls from hospitals could have biased results. Conclusions: The conclusions that ZIKV infection causes adverse congenital outcomes and GBS are reinforced with the evidence published between January 18, 2017 and July 1, 2019.

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Association between Genetic Variants in NOS2 and TNF Genes with Congenital Zika Syndrome and Severe Microcephaly

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13020325 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 325

Author(s):

Julia A. Gomes ◽

Eduarda Sgarioni ◽

Juliano A. Boquett ◽

Ana Cláudia P. Terças-Trettel ◽

Juliana H. da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Zika Virus ◽

Genetic Variants ◽

Educational Level ◽

Congenital Anomalies ◽

Family Income ◽

First Trimester ◽

In Utero ◽

Zikv Infection ◽

Congenital Zika Syndrome

Zika virus (ZIKV) causes Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in individuals exposed prenatally. Here, we investigated polymorphisms in VEGFA, PTGS2, NOS3, TNF, and NOS2 genes as risk factors to CZS. Forty children with CZS and forty-eight children who were in utero exposed to ZIKV infection, but born without congenital anomalies, were evaluated. Children with CZS were predominantly infected by ZIKV in the first trimester (p < 0.001) and had mothers with lower educational level (p < 0.001) and family income (p < 0.001). We found higher risk of CZS due the allele rs2297518[A] of NOS2 (OR = 2.28, CI 95% 1.17–4.50, p = 0.015). T allele and TT/CT genotypes of the TNF rs1799724 and haplotypes associated with higher expression of TNF were more prevalent in children with CZS and severe microcephaly (p = 0.029, p = 0.041 and p = 0.030, respectively). Our findings showed higher risk of CZS due ZIKV infection in the first trimester and suggested that polymorphisms in NOS2 and TNF genes affect the risk of CZS and severe microcephaly.

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