Data on the duration of detectable Zika virus–specific IgM in infected persons are limited. Neutralizing antibody cross-reactivity occurs between Zika virus and related flaviviruses, but the degree to which this confounds diagnosis is uncertain. We tested serum specimens collected 12–19 months after illness onset from patients with confirmed Zika virus disease for Zika virus IgM and Zika virus and dengue virus neutralizing antibodies. Among 62 participants, 45 (73%) had detectable Zika virus IgM and 12 (19%) had an equivocal result. Although all patients tested had Zika virus neutralizing antibodies, 39 (63%) also had neutralizing antibodies against dengue virus; of those, 12 (19%) had <4-fold difference between Zika virus and dengue virus titers, and 5 (8%) had dengue virus titer >4-fold higher than Zika virus titer. Prolonged detection of IgM and neutralizing antibody cross-reactivity make it difficult to determine the timing of Zika virus infection and differentiate between related flaviviruses.

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We assessed IgM detection in Zika patients from the 2016 outbreak in Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA. Of those with positive or equivocal IgM after 12–19 months, 87% (26/30) had IgM 6 months later. In a survival analysis, ≈76% had IgM at 25 months. Zika virus IgM persists for years, complicating serologic diagnosis.

The aim of the investigation was to develop and perform a clinical approbation of a modern passive upper-limb exoskeleton for the habilitation and rehabilitation of disabled patients with upper flaccid para(mono)paresis.Materials and Methods. We performed a phase-by-phase anatomic parametrisation of an exoskeleton. We tested different exoskeleton designs made of different materials. Testing was also carried out on the various spring elements and rubber rings used as elastic elements. On the basis of the findings we created "EXAR", a prototype passive exoskeleton for the upper limb. Testing of the design and the adaptation of its elements was carried out on 7 patients with upper para(mono)paresis syndrome.Results. On comparing the materials for possible use in the "EXAR" exoskeleton we preferred magnesium-aluminium alloys and the use of rubber rings for its elastic elements. During the design and production of this exoskeleton we observed a modular principle. In use we were able to note that the "EXAR" passive exoskeleton increased the range of movement in the shoulder and elbow joints, this being a key requirement for the device in addition to its effect on habilitation and rehabilitation.Conclusion. We consider the results of approbation of the "EXAR" passive exoskeleton for the upper limb to be positive, but that they indicate a requirement for further development and modernisation.Key words: passive exoskeleton; paresis; anatomic parametrisation of an exoskeleton; upper limb exoskeleton.For contacts: Alexander A. Vorobyev,