Zika diagnosis

Zika virus, a disease that usually occurs in tropical environments and is spread to humans primarily via mosquito bites, shows symptoms in about 1 in every 5 people who become infected. The symptoms are mild and can be initially confused with viruses from the same family such as dengue fever until the patient has undergone further diagnosis from healthcare professionals. The symptoms can include a fever, joint pain, conjunctivitis, muscle pain and a rash.

The effects of the disease are not yet fully understood. Although the infection can result in mild symptoms, the infection may lead to serious impacts in pregnant women. In a recent outbreak of Zika infection in Brazil, there have been increased cases reported of microcephaly, a condition which cases head and brain defects in babies.

The virus is also thought to cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disease that affects the nervous system, in some people. This can lead to paralysis and eventual death in some people.

There are currently no specific treatments or vaccinations for Zika infections. However, patients who suspect they have the disease should visit a doctor. The doctor may conduct the following tests.

The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction

This reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test is carried out to look for viral RNA in the fluids of a person suspected of having the Zika virus. The Zika virus can be in a person’s urine for up to ten days after symptoms of the disease show.

Alongside this an immunoglobulin (Ig) M ELISA and plaque reduction test are used to identify Zika antibodies. When the test results are reviewed they should also be examined for possible confusion with antibodies from other similar diseases such as dengue as mosquitoes can spread these as well.

When it comes to the testing of new born babies, a sample is taken from the umbilical cord within two days of birth to see if Zika virus is present. This can be tested using the RT-PCR method. Additional tests can be carried out on cerebrospinal fluid and placenta.

Ultrasound

When a pregnant mother has been diagnosed with the Zika virus, further tests can be carried out to observe the development of her baby in the womb. Microcephaly, a condition which causes birth defects such as an underdeveloped brain and smaller head size in a baby has been linked to the Zika virus.

Ultrasound is commonly used to monitor the development of an unborn child. The technology uses sound waves to produce a scan of a child in the womb. The test can be used at regular intervals under medical supervision.

The technology can detect a smaller head size from the time the foetus is about 20 weeks old. This is not always an indication that a child has microcephaly as some babies grow more quickly after this. Ultrasound can however provide some indication.

MRI

In conjunction with ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide some indication of defects in the brain structure of a developing foetus. This technology uses powerful magnetic fields to produce an image of the brain.

Amniocentesis test

With this test, healthcare professionals are looking for any potential abnormalities. It can be conducted between weeks 15 and 20. A sample of the amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding the baby is taken for testing. However, healthcare professionals need to be take specific care in carrying out this test as there is a risk of miscarriage due to the mother’s age, her health and any inherited conditions.

References

Further Reading

Last Updated: Dec 30, 2022

Deborah Fields

Written by

Deborah Fields

Deborah holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism qualification from Cardiff University. She enjoys writing about the latest innovations. Previously she has worked as an editor of scientific patent information, an education journalist and in communications for innovative healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology organisations. She also loves books and has run a book group for several years. Her enjoyment of fiction extends to writing her own stories for pleasure.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Fields, Deborah. (2022, December 30). Zika diagnosis. News-Medical. Retrieved on December 21, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Zika-diagnosis.aspx.

  • MLA

    Fields, Deborah. "Zika diagnosis". News-Medical. 21 December 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Zika-diagnosis.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Fields, Deborah. "Zika diagnosis". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Zika-diagnosis.aspx. (accessed December 21, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Fields, Deborah. 2022. Zika diagnosis. News-Medical, viewed 21 December 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Zika-diagnosis.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
New review explores Zika virus as a potential treatment for brain cancer