Bacteriology and Infectious Diseases

Zika virus is RNA neurotropic, one of flaviviruses group. Congenital Zika virus infection is associated with severe congenital anomalies. WHO in February 2016 declared it as public health emergency of international concern. The virus is transmitted by Aedes mosquitos species and by sexual, blood and others. Majority of infected pregnant women are asymptomatic but with lengthy viremic period. The congenital Zika virus infection is a distinct clinical entity and majority of infected newborns present with CNS signs and symptoms including microcephaly. The treatment is mainly supportive and prognosis depends on severity of microcephaly. Recognizing that Zika is a cause of certain birth defects does not mean that every pregnant woman infected with Zika will have a baby with a birth defect. It means that infection with Zika during pregnancy increases the chances for these problems.