ZIKA

Zika virus is an Arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus, of the Flaviviridae family, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, but unlike other arboviruses, can be transmitted during sexual intercourse and vertically from the mother to the foetus through the placenta and amniotic fluid, resulting in teratogenic effects on the embryo: the lack of prevention mechanisms against ZIKV makes this pathogen a re-emergent cause of congenital infections. An important epidemic is the one that took place in 2015 in Brazil: in 2016 the WHO International Health Regulation Emergency Committee, declared Zika virus infection as an international public health emergency.

Zika virus disease is an acute viral disease with clinical manifestations similar to those of Dengue, which tends to self-resolve within 4-6 days. However, what makes the Zika virus a threat to human health are neurological complications, which are the main cause of disability and death induced by this pathogen. Direct detection of the virus or components of the virus (NS1) is possible only during viraemia (maximum 1 week); specific antibodies are clearly detectable a few days after onset of the symptoms.

Detection of specific IgM antibodies or a significant increase in specific IgG titre is evidence of acute ZIKV infection. Possible cross-reactions with other flaviviruses such as Dengue, West Nile, Yellow Fever or TBE virus should be emphasised.