Zika virus can lead to neurological complications: Doctors

As cases continue to climb in Karnataka and Maharashtra Mumbai doctors caution about the neurological risks associated with the Zika virus Last week a 74yearold man succumbed to this infection in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka According to the Karnataka Health Ministry he was discharged from the hospital on Thursday and was receiving treatment at homeWhile his diagnosis could only report fever body aches and rashes the Zika virus infection has been linked with GuillainBarreacute Syndrome GBS a rare autoimmune disorder that takes a toll on the nervous system informs Dr Manjusha Agarwal a senior consultant working with Gleneagles Hospitals in Mumbai Research is yet to confirm this she addsWith the virus turning fatal Midday sought insights from Mumbai health experts who shed light on the viruss potential neurological impacts the role of genome sequencing in understanding the virus and progress in vaccine developmentLink between Zika virus and neurological conditionsTracing the connection between the Zika virus and neurology Dr Divya Gopal internal medicine at Sir HN Reliance Hospital tells Midday how the virus may give rise to microcephaly amongst infants ldquoWhen acquired this condition leads to babies born with abnormally small heads due to incomplete brain development Zika infection during pregnancy gives rise to serious neurological abnormalities in infants collectively termed congenital Zika syndrome CZSrdquoThis connection has led researchers to examine how the virus penetrates the placenta and infects the fetus causing adverse impacts on brain development In line with these observations a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine links the virus with neurological complications Conducted during the 20152016 outbreak in Brazil the paper found an association between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and the occurrence of microcephaly in newbornsBesides microcephaly CZS may include seizures developmental delays as well as vision and hearing impairments Furthermore Agarwal informs that GuillainBarreacute Syndrome GBS caused by the virus can result in muscle weakness and in severe cases paralysis The connection between the virus and GBS was observed during outbreaks where an increase in GBS cases started coinciding with Zika virus infectionsRole of genome sequencingThe virus spreading in India has been found to belong to the family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus shares Gopal Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes mosquito which is also responsible for the spread of dengue Chikungunya and yellow fever viruses In most areas the primary vector of these viruses is Aedes aegypti with Aedes albopictus a proven or potential vector in some settingsIn this scenario genome sequencing becomes crucial as it helps in identifying and comparing the genetic variations within different strains of the virus This also helps in understanding the evolution of the virus over time across different geographies informs Dr P Praneetha consultant department of general medicine Meenakshi Mission Hospital MumbaiAgarwal adds that genome sequencing helps virologists decode the viruss genetic makeup and detect specific mutations that may impact its transmission patterns This information is essential for developing vaccines to tackle the spread of Zika Also it helps to predict future outbreaks and guides when it comes to public health strategies for effective prevention and control measures against ZikaIs there a cure for the Zike virusGopal hints at ongoing efforts towards developing vaccines and medicines for the Zika virus ldquoVaccine development has made strides with some candidates showing promising results in preclinical and earlystage clinical trials Yet despite progress challenges remain in achieving a definitive curerdquoEffective vaccines could provide a longterm solution to prevent Zika infections however they remain in the developing stage by scientists Potential drugs are also been identified for treatment informs Agarwal Innovative approaches such as gene editing techniques to create targeted therapies that can combat Zika more effectively are also taken into considerationHow does the virus transmit between hostsZika virus spreads primarily through mosquito bites and from pregnant women to their fetuses Additionally sexual transmission has been identified as another route of spread The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are the main vectors responsible for transmitting the virus to humans when they feed on blood shares AgarwalMoreover the mosquito bites mostly during the daytime This virus spreads via sexual contact and can be present in semen for several weeks after infection posing a risk of spreading through unprotected intercourse It is the need of the hour to understand the diverse transmission patterns and take necessary precautionsWatch out for these symptomsThe initial symptoms of the Zika virus are generally mild and can include1 Fever2 Rash3 Joint Pain4 Conjunctivitis red eyes5 HeadachePraneetha outlines that symptoms typically appear 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and usually last for several days to a week Many people infected with Zika virus do not experience symptoms or have only mild symptoms In some cases fever with a rash can be the first symptom Others may experience headache joint pain and redness in the eyesVery rarely the Zika virus can affect the brain and nerves in adults potentially causing paralysis and difficulty in walkingDiagnosing Zika virusThere are several steps to ascertain whether the virus is present or not The patientrsquos symptoms travel history if applicable and potential exposure to mosquitoes or infected individuals are first evaluated If the symptoms are present then a Lab test is advised which includesrdquo1 Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR is used to detect the RNA of the Zika virus in blood urine or other body fluids2 Praneetha stresses that in detecting recent or past Zika virus infections ldquoSerological tests are also recommended which basically to detect Zika virusspecific antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infectionrdquoPost diagnosis the mainstays of Zika treatment are rest fluid maintenance and symptom management concludes Gopal