Abstract

UNDERSTANDING THE EMERGENCE AND IMPACTS OF ZIKA VIRUS: PATHOGENESIS, TRANSMISSION, AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES

Rajashree D. Ghogare*, Saurabh R. Nimse*, Prasad D. Bhujbal, Akanksha L. Kolkar, Harsh M. Kashid

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Abstract

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus that has become a significant public health concern due to its rapid spread and severe implications, including congenital microcephaly and neurological disorders. Initially identified in Uganda in 1947, ZIKV remained relatively obscure until a major outbreak occurred on Yap Island in 2007, followed by a larger epidemic in French Polynesia in 2013-2014. The virus gained widespread attention in 2015 when it reached pandemic levels in the Americas, particularly in Brazil, where a significant increase in microcephaly cases was observed. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes but can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from mother to foetus. The virus’s ability to infect various tissues, including the brain, placenta, and reproductive organs, has been linked to severe developmental issues in foetuses, particularly microcephaly, and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Research into ZIKV’s pathogenesis has revealed that the virus can evade the host immune system, leading to prolonged infections and contributing to its severe clinical outcomes. Ongoing studies aim to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying ZIKV infection, with the goal of developing effective diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments. Despite advancements, the virus’s rapid mutation and ability to adapt to different hosts continue to challenge public health efforts, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and research.

Keywords: Zika Virus (ZIKV), Microcephaly, Epidemiology, Mosquito-borne diseases, Pathogenesis.