Exploring Zika Virus Impact on Endothelial Permeability: Insights into Transcytosis Mechanisms and Vascular Leakage.

Treating brain disease is challenging, and the Zika virus (ZIKV) presents a unique obstacle due to its neuroinvasive nature. In this review, we discuss the immunopathogenesis of ZIKV and explore how the virus interacts with the body's immune responses and the role of the protein Mfsd2a in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during ZIKV neuroinvasion. ZIKV has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its association with severe neurological problems, including microcephaly and Gillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Understanding its journey through the brain-particularly its interaction with the placenta and BBB-is crucial. The placenta, which is designed to protect the fetus, becomes a pathway for ZIKV when infected. The BBB is composed of brain endothelial cells, acts as a second barrier, and protects the fetal brain. However, ZIKV finds ways to disrupt these barriers, leading to potential damage. This study explores the mechanisms by which ZIKV enters the CNS and highlights the role of transcytosis, which allows the virus to move through the cells without significantly disrupting the BBB. Although the exact mechanisms of transcytosis are unclear, research suggests that ZIKV may utilize this pathway.

Knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding Zika virus of university students in northern Colombia (Santa Marta, 2016) / Conocimientos, percepciones y prácticas sobre el virus del Zika en estudiantes universitarios del norte de Colombia (Santa Marta, 2016)

This study focuses on the knowledge, perceptions and practices of 171 university students regarding Zika virus and its vector in Santa Marta (Colombia) in 2016. A survey was conducted, and the answers about causative agent and mode of transmission were classified into three levels of knowledge. Altogether, 32.1% of the students stated that they had suffered from Zika. A total of 60% stated that they knew what the disease was; however, only 29.2% knew what the causative agent was, and 45.6% knew the mode of transmission. Regarding the level of knowledge, only 14.6% knew the causative agent and the mode of transmission (Level 2). In general, the students recognize the symptoms of Zika virus, and 53.8% of them consider Zika to be very serious. More than half of them believe that they, the community, and the government are responsible for controlling the vector. Even though more than half the students know the most important strategies to control the vector, they do not apply them; the reasons for this might be their everyday habits, the lack of organization in their communities, a deficient public health system, and climate change. It is recommended to implement permanent strategies for vector control that take into account the sociocultural characteristics of at-risk populations.

Este estudio analiza el nivel de conocimiento, percepciones y prácticas de 171 estudiantes universitarios sobre el virus del Zika y su vector en Santa Marta (Colombia) en 2016. Se aplicó una encuesta y las respuestas sobre el agente causativo y el modo de transmisión se clasificaron en tres niveles de conocimiento. Se encontró que el 32,1% de los estudiantes manifiestan haber sufrido Zika. Un 60% afirmó que conocían la enfermedad, sin embargo, solo el 29,2% conocía el agente causal y el 45,6% el modo de transmisión. Sólo el 14,6% conocía el agente causal y el modo de transmisión (Nivel 2). En general, los estudiantes reconocen los síntomas del Zika. Para el 53,8% es una enfermedad muy grave y más de la mitad considera que ellos, la comunidad y el gobierno son responsables de controlar el vector. Aunque más de la mitad de los estudiantes conocen las estrategias más importantes para controlar el vector, no las practican; esto puede explicarse debido a sus prácticas cotidianas, falta de organización comunitaria, deficiencia en el sistema de salud pública y el cambio climático. Se recomienda implementar estrategias permanentes de control de vectores que consideren las características socioculturales de las poblaciones en riesgo.

Emerging arboviruses in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: chikungunya and zika outbreaks, 2014­2016

Questions investigated: The recent emergence of arboviruses such as Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil has posed a threat to human health and to the country's economy. Outbreaks occur mainly in tropical areas; however, increasing number of cases have been observed in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the Southernmost state; therefore, surveillance of these arboviruses is essential for public health measures. Design: In this study, we analyzed 1276 samples from patients with clinically suspected arboviral diseases between 2014 and 2016. Demographic and clinical data were collected and described; cases of microcephaly associated with congenital infection were analyzed. Essential findings: Results show that CHIKV and ZIKV entered RS in 2014 and 2015, respectively, with imported cases confirmed. Autochthonous infections occurred in 2016 for both viruses, with a total of 5 autochthonous cases for CHIKV and 44 for ZIKV. Most patients were older than 21 years; the main symptoms were fever, arthralgia, myalgia, and headache; rash, conjunctivitis, and pruritus were also reported in ZIKV cases. Three cases of congenital Zika syndrome were confirmed in our study, while another 20 cases of microcephaly associated with congenital infection were confirmed (10 positive for syphilis, 6 for toxoplasmosis and 4 for cytomegalovirus). Main conclusions: Considering co­circulation of different arbovirus in RS, including Dengue virus, CHIKV, and ZIKV, and the presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the area, surveillance of patients infected by these viruses contributes to the control and prevention of such diseases. Practical difficulties in diagnosing these infections are discussed. (AU)