New vectors of the virus Zika
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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American microbiologists were able to detect new insects, which carry the virus of Zick - the causative agent of a dangerous infectious disease.
For the first time, a dangerous virus was isolated during the examination of rhesus monkeys in the forties of the last century. A little later, during the epidemic, the virus was isolated from the human body. It is noteworthy that until 2007 only sporadic cases of infection were registered. But last year the World Health Organization registered a massive incidence in the Latin American regions.
According to the results of the last study, specialists from the American university, owned by the state of Georgia, said that the vectors of the disease are another 26 species of bloodsucking insects: previously there were only nine. Thus, to date, we know 35 species of mosquitoes that are capable of spreading a viral disease. At the same time, 7 varieties are found not only on the American continent, but also in European countries and even in Russia.
To date, it has been assumed that the virus is spread only by mosquitoes living in warm climatic latitudes - for example, in Latin America. Experts tended to believe that in North America and Canada a priori the disease can not spread. But the research of scientific specialists, using computer-aided design, helped to discover the newest types of bloodsucking insects, potentially capable of spreading the virus in regions whose climate is considered moderate.
One of the study leaders, Dr. Michel Edvands, remarked: "At the moment we have identified a number of mosquito species that are subject to priority destruction - in order to reduce the incidence of the Zick virus. The struggle must begin today, during the off-season, when the reproduction of mosquitoes subsides. It is very important to prepare in time for the beginning of the summer season in order to prevent the spread of the infection. "
Potential spreaders of the disease, discovered by scientists, have a characteristic structure of the proboscis and digestive tract: their blood sucking apparatus and digestive system have the optimal structure for the transfer of the causative agent of Zik fever.
The virus, penetrating into the human body, causes the development of a febrile state, proceeding against the background of joint pain and scabies. The vast majority of people who were infected with Zik fever at different times did not experience any serious ailments leading to death. However, the disease is considered especially dangerous for women during pregnancy: the virus can cause the development of microcephaly in the future baby, or even cause his death.
Some adults also had negative consequences of the viral disease: thus, cases of the incidence of the Hyenna-Barre syndrome were recorded - this is an autoimmune process with considerable muscle weakness.
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