scholarly journals Research protocol for homeopathic treatment of congenital zika virus infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (02) ◽  
pp. 16-17
Author(s):  
Maria Filomena Xavier Mendes ◽  
Romeu Carillo Junior ◽  
Domingos José Vaz Cabo ◽  
Maria Solange Gosik ◽  
Renata Rodrigues Garcia Lino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
World Health ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Helleborus Niger

Background The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus and the human disease caused by this virus has been described in the Americas in 2015. ZIKV has been identified as an etiological agent of acute exanthematous disease in Brazil. In the same year, an epidemic of microcephaly with images suggestive of congenital infection raised the suspicion of a relationship between these alterations and ZIKV infection. Epidemiological and histopathological studies point to a strong relationship between prenatal Zika virus infection and microcephaly. Newborns with microcephaly, may also present auditory and visual changes, seizures and severe neurodevelopmental impairment. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus (ZIKV) infection a public health emergency of international concern. Aims Clinical observation in the ambulatory school of ABRAH (Brazilian Association of Recycling and Homeopathy Assistance) of patients with encephalopathy of various origins, using the medicine Helleborus niger as equalizer of the NS (Nervous System), as described in the Complex Systems of Carillo, shows improvement in motor, cognitive and seizure disorders. Based on this observation, we propose to use this method in patients with ZIKV congenital infection. Methodology To evaluate 15 patients in follow-up at the AFR (Fluminense Rehabilitation Association), through homeopathic anamnesis, clinical, diathesic, biotypological and temperamental classification. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) will be used. All patients will receive Helleborus niger 6 Ch daily for 6 months. Results and discussion This study was forwarded to the research ethics committee and will begin in July 2019. Will be evaluated the use of Helleborus niger in patients with congenital infection by ZIKV, as equalizer of NS. The expected result is overall neurological improvement. Conclusion Helleborus niger, probably stimulating self-regulation through uninjured neurological pathways, will promote autopoiesis and construction of new programs of action, and will enable the improvement of patients with congenital ZIKV infection.

scholarly journals Global transcriptome analysis of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in response to Zika virus infection

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayvan Etebari ◽  
Shivanand Hegde ◽  
Miguel A Saldaña ◽  
Steven G Widen ◽  
Thomas G Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Non Coding Rnas

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) of the Flaviviridae family is a recently emerged mosquito-borne virus that has been implicated in the surge of the number of microcephaly instances in South America. The recent rapid spread of the virus led to its declaration as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. The virus is transmitted mainly by the mosquito Aedes aegypti that also vectors dengue virus, however little is known about the interactions of the virus with the mosquito vector. In this study, we investigated the transcriptome profiles of whole Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in response to ZIKV infection at 2, 7, and 14 days post-infection using RNA-Seq. Results showed changes in the abundance of a large number of transcripts at each time point following infection, with 18 transcripts commonly changed among the three time points. Gene ontology analysis revealed that most of the altered genes are involved in metabolic process, cellular process and proteolysis. In addition, 486 long intergenic non-coding RNAs were identified that were altered upon ZIKV infection. Further, we found correlational changes of a number of potential mRNA target genes with that of altered host microRNAs. The outcomes provide a basic understanding of Ae. aegypti responses to ZIKV and helps to determine host factors involved in replication or mosquito host anti-viral response against the virus.ImportanceVector-borne viruses pose great risks on human health. Zika virus has recently emerged as a global threat, rapidly expanding its distribution. Understanding the interactions of the virus with mosquito vectors at the molecular level is vital for devising new approaches in inhibiting virus transmission. In this study, we embarked on analyzing the transcriptional response of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to Zika virus infection. Results showed large changes both in coding and long non-coding RNAs. Analysis of these genes showed similarities with other flaviviruses, including dengue virus, which is transmitted by the same mosquito vector. The outcomes provide a global picture of changes in the mosquito vector in response to Zika virus infection.

scholarly journals Pregnancy alters innate immune responses to Zika virus infection in the genital tract

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey E. Lesteberg ◽  
Dana S. Fader ◽  
J. David Beckham
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Innate Immune Cells ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Pregnant Mice

AbstractRecent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) have been associated with birth defects, including microcephaly and neurological impairment. However, the mechanisms which confer increased susceptibility to ZIKV during pregnancy remain unclear. We hypothesized that poor outcomes from ZIKV infection during pregnancy are due in part to pregnancy-induced alteration of innate immune cell frequencies and cytokine expression. To examine the impact of pregnancy on innate immune responses, we inoculated pregnant and non-pregnant female C57BL/6 mice with 5×105 FFU of ZIKV intravaginally. Innate immune cell frequencies and cytokine expression were measured by flow cytometry at day 3 post infection. Compared to non-pregnant mice, pregnant mice exhibited higher frequencies of uterine macrophages (CD68+) and tolerogenic dendritic cells (CD11c+ CD103+ and CD11c+ CD11b+). Additionally, ZIKV-infected pregnant mice had lower frequencies of CD45+ IL-12+ and CD11b+ IL-12+ cells in the uterus and spleen. These data show that pregnancy results in an altered innate immune response to ZIKV infection in the genital tract of mice and that pregnancy-associated immune modulation may play an important role in the severity of acute ZIKV infection.ImportancePregnant females longer duration that viremia following infection with Zika virus but the mechanism of this is not established. Innate immune cellular responses are important for controlling virus infection and are important for development and maintenance of pregnancy. Thus, the acute immune response to Zika virus during pregnancy may be altered so that the pregnancy can be maintained. To examine this interaction, we utilized a mouse model of Zika virus infection during pregnancy using intravaginal inoculation. We found that following Zika virus infection, pregnant mice exhibited increased expression of tolerant or non-inflammatory dendritic cells. Additionally, we found that pregnant mice have significantly depressed ability to secrete the cytokine IL-12 from innate immune cells in the uterus and the spleen while maintaining MHCII expression. These findings show that pregnancy-induced changes in the innate immune cells are biased towards tolerance and can result in decreased antigen-dependent stimulation of immune responses.

scholarly journals Zika Virus: A Basic Overview of an Emerging Arboviral Infection in the Western Hemisphere

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 707-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly G. Vest
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Western Hemisphere ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
World Health ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control

AbstractSince February 2015, Zika virus has spread throughout the Western Hemisphere, starting in Brazil. As of March 2016, autochthonous transmission has been reported in at least 31 countries or territories. For countries in the Americas, the spread of Zika virus, a previously unfamiliar disease, follows similar emerging infection introductions of West Nile virus and Chikungunya virus and their spread throughout the American continents and the Caribbean nations. The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have issued alerts and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern announcement related to the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders in Brazil that are temporally associated with Zika virus, which highlights the possible adverse impact of viral infection. This article provides an overview of the Zika virus infection and presents the historical background of the virus, a description of the pathogen, the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of Zika virus infection, diagnosis and treatment approaches, and prevention and control measures. Understanding what is known about the virus and its clinical presentation will assist in prevention, detection, and response measures to reduce and control the spread of the virus throughout the Western Hemisphere. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 6)

scholarly journals Zika virus infection from a newborn point of view. TORCH or TORZiCH?

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 241-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Tahotná ◽  
Jana Brucknerová ◽  
Ingrid Brucknerová
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Global Climate Changes ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽  
The Media

Abstract Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the group of viruses called arboviruses. Congenital Zika syndrome is a new disease with infectious teratogenic aetiology. The clinical symptoms are divided into morphological and functional. Most severe complication is the foetal brain disruption sequence that includes severe microcephaly, anomalies of the eyes and congenital contractions of joints. The aim of this paper was to review available facts about Zika virus infection from a newborn point of view in a form of the summary of all important information. Zika virus infection is a problem of past, present and future. Epidemics may occur because of global climate changes, also in countries where natural conditions for life of mosquitos are not present. This clearly indicates the need to continue developing of vaccines and specific antiviral drugs. Until this happens, we must adhere individual preventive measures. Zika virus has proven to us how it can affect the health of adults and neonates but also thinking of healthy people. Newborns with microcephaly on the front pages of the media caused in 2015 panic and fear around the world – for this reason education of people is necessary. Due to serious congenital disorders associated with ZIKV infection and global impact of virus we suggest modifying old acronym TORCH for new TORZiCH to accent the position of Zika virus.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of the mother–neonate binomy with microcefalia and suspected infection by zika viruses in the gestation: a sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-265
Author(s):  
Manoel Alfredo Curvelo Sarno ◽  
Luciana Carla Belém dos Santos ◽  
Priscila Pinheiro Ribeiro Lyra ◽  
Carlos Mauricio Cardeal Mendes ◽  
Patrícia Ribeiro de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Epidemiological Profile ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Introduction: The association between the increased incidence of microcephaly and the epidemic outbreak of Zika virus infection (ZIKV) in Brazil between 2015 and 2016 was observed by many authors. World Health Organization declared it as a public health emergency of international concern. Maternal infection with the Zika virus can be transmitted vertically and lead to Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) in infants. So that it is important to investigate the clinical-epidemiological profile of the mothers and their newborns. Aims: To characterize the clinical- epidemiological profile of pregnant women associated with presumed ZIKV in pregnancy and their newborns diagnosed with microcephaly at birth and associated with CZS. Methods: A sectional study, using medical record data, between September 2015 and June 2016. Results: 82 cases of microcephaly were reported in maternity during this period. Of these, 32 cases were excluded because they did not fit the new microcephaly criteria according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health of Brazil. The mean maternal age was 25 years, varying from 13 and 43 years old; exanthema was the only symptom related to Zika virus infection and it was observed in 60% (27/45) of the pregnancies, which occurred predominantly during the first or the second trimester of pregnancy. Other mothers were asymptomatic. Related to the newborns, 62% (31/50) were female; 32% (16/50) were low weight; 2% (1/50) were premature. Neonatal brain ultrasound showed 70,4% (31/44) of the neonates with abnormal findings, mainly calcifications that occurred in 87% (27/31). 29 newborns were submitted to fundoscopy examinations and 38% (11/29) were abnormal. Conclusion: Despite the majority of pregnant women did not have classic symptoms of arboviruses and because of this the suspicion and confirmation of Zika viruses infection through serologies are difficult in clinical practice, it is important to understand clinical and epidemiological characteristics related to Zika viruses infection and the CZS to allow mapping where preventive measures should be directed and better investigated as well as to offer an adequate follow-up to the infected neonates according to their outcomes.

scholarly journals Serologic Tools and Strategies to Support Intervention Trials to Combat Zika Virus Infection and Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H. Collins
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Zika Virus Infection

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus that recently caused a large epidemic in Latin America characterized by novel disease phenotypes, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, sexual transmission, and congenital anomalies, such as microcephaly. This epidemic, which was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization, has highlighted shortcomings in our current understanding of, and preparation for, emerging infectious diseases in general, as well as challenges that are specific to Zika virus infection. Vaccine development for Zika virus has been a high priority of the public health response, and several candidates have shown promise in pre-clinical and early phase clinical trials. The optimal selection and implementation of imperfect serologic assays are among the crucial issues that must be addressed in order to advance Zika vaccine development. Here, I review key considerations for how best to incorporate into Zika vaccine trials the existing serologic tools, as well as those on the horizon. Beyond that, this discussion is relevant to other intervention strategies to combat Zika and likely other emerging infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Analysis of the immunological biomarker profile during acute Zika virus infection reveals the overexpression of CXCL10, a chemokine already linked to neuronal damage

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Gomes Naveca ◽  
Gemilson Soares Pontes ◽  
Aileen Yu-hen Chang ◽  
George Allan Villarouco da Silva ◽  
Valdinete Alves do Nascimento ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
Neuron Apoptosis ◽  
Circulating Cytokines

AbstractInfection with Zika virus (ZIKV) manifests in a broad spectrum of disease ranging from mild illness to severe neurological complications. To define immunologic correlates of ZIKV infection, we characterized the levels of circulating cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in 54 infected patients of both genders, at five different time-points after symptoms onset using microbeads multiplex immunoassay; statistical analysis and data mining compared to 100 age-matched controls. ZIKV-infected patients present a striking systemic inflammatory response with high levels of pro-inflammatory mediators. Despite the strong inflammatory pattern, IL-1Ra and IL-4 are also induced during acute infection. Interestingly, the inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-13, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ; chemokines, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL5; and the growth factor G-CSF display a bimodal distribution accompanying viremia. While this is the first manuscript to document bimodal distributions of viremia in ZIKV infection, bimodal viremia has been documented in other viral infections with primary viremia peaks during mild systemic disease and a secondary viremia with distribution of the virus to organs and tissues. Moreover, biomarker network analysis demonstrated distinct dynamics in consonance with the bimodal viremia profiles at different time-points during ZIKV infection. Such robust cytokine and chemokine response has been associated with blood-brain barrier permeability and neuroinvasiveness in other flaviviral infections. High-dimensional data analysis further established CXCL10, a chemokine involved in fetal neuron apoptosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, as the most promising biomarker of acute ZIKV infection for a potential clinical application.Author SummaryInfection with Zika virus manifests in a broad spectrum of disease ranging from mild illness to severe neurological complications. This study characterized the levels of circulating cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in Zika-infected patients showing an inflammatory immune response. Specifically, this study identified a chemokine, CXCL10, known to be involved in fetal neuron apoptosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, as the most promising biomarker to characterize acute Zika virus infection.

scholarly journals Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Preventive Measures of Zika Virus Infection: A Review Update

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-23
Author(s):  
Rezina Parveen ◽  
Shaheen Ara Begum ◽  
Ishrat Sharmin ◽  
Rashida Akhter Khanam ◽  
Md Sabbir Quadir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Testing System ◽  
Aedes Mosquito ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Zika Virus Infection

The relation between ZIKV infection during pregnancy and microcephaly in neonate has been established by the Brazillian Ministry of Health. Therefore, more attention regarding control of Aedes mosquito is required. Since it transmits this disease, which has more disastrous consequences than dengue viral infection. Potentially effective methods of prevention that are focused on reducing infections among pregnant women include avoiding unnecessary travel to areas of ongoing Zika virus transmission, avoiding unprotected sexual contact with partners who are at risk for Zika virus infection. According to Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Reseaech (IEDCR) there is nothing to panic at this moment for Bangladesh, but they stressed on mosquito control, which is the only tool to prevent and fight off Zika virus. They however, could not mention how the virus came to Bangladesh. May be somebody brought it while travelling. There is good survillence and testing system to detect the disease in Bangladesh.Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2016;3(1):17-23

scholarly journals Travel-associated and autochthonous Zika virus infection in mainland France, 1 January to 15 July 2016

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (32) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Septfons ◽  
I Leparc-Goffart ◽  
E Couturier ◽  
F Franke ◽  
J Deniau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
And Control

During summer 2016, all the conditions for local mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) are met in mainland France: a competent vector, Aedes albopictus, a large number of travellers returning from ZIKV-affected areas, and an immunologically naive population. From 1 January to 15 July 2016, 625 persons with evidence of recent ZIKV infection were reported in mainland France. We describe the surveillance system in place and control measures implemented to reduce the risk of infection.

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