What do we know about Zika virus?

Abstract

Sažetak. Zika virus (ZIKV) pripadnik je porodice Flaviviridae. Širi se ubodom inficiranog komarca roda Aedes, spolnim putem, s majke na fetus, te iznimno direktnim krvnim prijenosom. ZIKV uzrokuje blagu kliničku sliku, popraćenu nespecifičnim simptomima, a liječenje je simptomatsko. ZIKV se dijagnosticira pomoću molekularnih i seroloških metoda. Infekcija se povezuje s pojavom mikrocefalije u novorođenčadi inficiranih majki te s povećanim rizikom od pojave Guillain-Barréova sindroma. Mjere prevencije infekcije uključuju minimiziranje kontakta s komarcima, prakticiranje sigurnih spolnih odnosa i kontrolu darovane krvi prije transfuzije. Ne postoji djelotvorno cjepivo protiv ZIKV-a, ali nekoliko cjepiva u fazi je ispitivanja.Ključne riječi: Guillain-Barréov sindrom; mikrocefalija; zika virus Abstract. Zika virus is a member of the Flaviviridaefamily. It is primarily spread via infectedAedesmosquitoes, sexual contact, and from the mother to the foetus, while direct transmission by blood is exceptional. ZIKV causes a mild illness characterized by non-specific symptoms. Treatment is limited to symptomatic therapy. ZIKV is diagnosedusingmolecular or serologic methods. ZIKV infection is associated with microcephaly of infants borntoinfected mothers and an increased risk of Guillain-Barrésyndrome. Prevention measures include minimizing contact with mosquitoes, practising safe sex and control of donated blood. There are no ZIKV vaccines, but several are undergoing trials.