For this study researchers collected nasopharyngeal specimens from 282 children aged ≤5 years with acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) during 2005 to 2006 in one of the largest Brazilian slums.
Zika Virus Outbreak on Curaçao and Bonaire, a Report Based on Laboratory Diagnostics Data
by Lim et al.ZIKV cases confirmed by qRT-PCR indicate that the virus was circulating on Curaçao between at least December 2015 and March 2017, and on Bonaire between at least October 2016 and February 2017, with peak cases occurring in November 2016.
A New High-Throughput Tool to Screen Mosquito-Borne Viruses in Zika Virus Endemic/Epidemic Areas
by Moutailler et al.The authors present and show a new tool that can detect endemic and epidemic viruses in different mosquito species in an epidemic context. This fast and low-cost method can be suggested as a novel epidemiological surveillance tool to identify circulating arboviruses.
Advances in Visualization Tools for Phylogenomic and Phylodynamic Studies of Viral Diseases
by Theys et al.The authors of this study focus on solutions that address joint temporal and spatial visualization but also consider what the future may bring in terms of visualization and how this may become of value for the coming era of real-time digital pathogen surveillance, where actionable results and adequate intervention strategies need to be obtained within days.
Enhanced Molecular Surveillance of Chikungunya Virus
by Fischer et al.The authors of this study developed two highly sensitive nested RT-PCR assays that cover hot spots of vector adaptation in CHIKV envelope domains. The new assays allow unprecedented molecular surveillance across all CHIKV genotypes and diagnostic use in resource-limited settings globally.
Zika virus infection: an update
by Ferraris et al.Since the ZIKV outbreak in Brazil in 2015, the scientific community has joined efforts to gather more information on the epidemiology, clinical features and pathogenicity of the virus. Here, you can read a summary of the most important advances made recently and the discussion of promising, innovative approaches to understand and control ZIKV infection.
The possible role of cross-reactive dengue virus antibodies in Zika virus pathogenesis
by Langerak et al.In this review, the authors summarize the results of the evidence to date and elaborate on other possible detrimental effects of cross-reactive flavivirus antibodies, both for ZIKV infection and the risk of ZIKV-related congenital anomalies, DENV infection, and dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Genomic, epidemiological and digital surveillance of Chikungunya virus in the Brazilian Amazon
by Naveca et al.This study highlights the potential of combining traditional surveillance with portable genome sequencing technologies and digital epidemiology to inform public health surveillance in the Amazon region. Data reveal a large CHIKV-ECSA outbreak in Boa Vista, limited potential for future CHIKV outbreaks, and indicate a replacement of the Asian genotype by the ECSA genotype in the Amazon region.
Combination of ELISA screening and seroneutralisation tests to expedite Zika virus seroprevalence studies
by Nurtop et al.The authors of this study propose a strategy allowing implementing efficient and practicable large-scale seroepidemiological studies for Zika Virus (ZIKV).
Emerging trends of Zika apprehension in an epidemic setting
by Fritzell et al.The findings of this study have implications for the development of multifaceted infection control programs, including strategies for prevention and awareness, helping the population to develop an accurate perception of the threat they are facing and encouraging behavior changes.
Low seroprevalence of Zika virus in Cameroonian blood donors
by Gake et al.The findings from this study indicate that the immunity of the Cameroonian population against ZIKV is low and that circulation in urban populations is uncommon. Hence, the risk of epidemic spread of ZIKV does exist. The virus is likely to be imported by infected travelers coming from epidemic areas and has the potential to be transmitted by local peri-domestic mosquitoes. This study provides biological evidence that such introduction would occur in populations that are globally immunologically naïve against ZIKV infection and live in areas where potential epidemic vectors exist.