What is Zika Virus?

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an Aedes-borne flavivirus that is usually mild but can cause congenital Zika syndrome, including microcephaly, when infection occurs in pregnancy.

It can also spread sexually and via transfusion. Anti-ZIKV IgM/IgG serology and recombinant NS1 and envelope antigens support diagnosis (with dengue cross-reactivity a key challenge) and research.

Transmission & symptoms

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an Aedes-borne flavivirus that is usually mild but can cause congenital Zika syndrome, including microcephaly, when infection occurs in pregnancy; it can also spread sexually and via transfusion.

Diagnosis & serology

Diagnosis uses RT-PCR in early infection and anti-ZIKV IgM/IgG serology (envelope, NS1), with dengue cross-reactivity a key challenge requiring neutralisation testing.

Research applications

Research tools cover ZIKV entry via the TAM receptors AXL and TYRO3 and the attachment factors TIM-1/HAVCR1 and DC-SIGN, plus the placental and neural tropism behind congenital disease.