Scientists Identify Novel Antibody Against the Zika Virus [Study]

Zika is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes and usually causes mild infections such as fever and rash in humans, in addition to asymptomatic cases. Named after its first discovery at the Zika Forest in Uganda in 1947, the Zika virus saw its first human cases in 1952 and eventually had reported outbreaks not only in Africa but also in South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Now, a new study led by researchers from the United States found that an unusual type of antibody resembled signs of efficiency against the Zika virus. The said antibody, even in small amounts, can neutralize Zika disease virus, a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus.

Zika Virus Antibody

In the new paper published in the journal Cell on November 18, investigators at the Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian, and National Institutes of Health explored a potential body against the virus known for causing birth defects with abnormally large heads among infants.

To arrive with their findings, the research team isolated the antibody and ultrapotent immunoglobulin M (IgM), a five-arm protein which can attach onto the virus. The antibody was derived from blood cells extracted from pregnant people infected with the Zika virus disease.

What is Zika Virus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Zika virus disease is transmitted by a virus mainly carried by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite its suspecting victims during the days. Other than fever and rash, zika symptoms also include conjunctivitis, muscle pain, join pain, malaise, or headache.

Symptoms of the Zika virus infection can last between two to seven days, where most people with the Zika infection do not develop any symptoms, according to the WHO. Infection during pregnancy can result in infants being born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations, called as the congenital Zika syndrome or congenital Zika virus.

In addition, receiving the mosquito-borne disease can lead to other pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and miscarriage. However, if a pregnancy is successful, the Zika disease can cause infants, children, and even adults later in life with neurologic complications, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis, the international health body adds.

Zika US Cases

Cases of Zika infections are prevalent worldwide, especially in tropical regions and countries. However, individuals outside these hotspots can also fall victims to the 'Zika mosquitoes' when traveling such as circumstances where they have no protection against the Zika virus.

In the United States, related cases have been reported in line with the arrival of the Zika virus disease carried by travelers returning to the country. Prior to 2014, there were very few travel-related cases of Zika infections identified in the US.

However, the period between 2015 and 2016 saw the largest Zika virus outbreaks across the Americas, including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands. As a result, this has also increased cases in some US states.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of Zika cases in the US ballooned to a total of 41,680, which includes both local and travel-related transmissions to and from the North American country.