Zika Virus and the Eye.
Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is the latest global health concern. Transmission is mainly via Aedes mosquitoes and the infection can be diagnosed on molecular or serologic testings. It typically causes a mild self-remitting illness of low-grade fever, maculopapular rash, and myalgia, but when severe, it is associated with neurological deficits and congenital structural defects. Ocular manifestations are usually mild like nonpurulent conjunctivitis in adults, though it may be linked to uveitis, maculopathy, and hypertensive iridocyclitis. Ocular signs seem to be more significant in congenital ZIKV-macular pigment mottling, neuroretinal atrophy with macular involvement, iris coloboma, and changes in retinal vasculature are noted in infants with infected mothers. Risk factors include ZIKV infection in first trimester and smaller cephalic diameter at birth. Hence, ophthalmic examination in newborns is now recommended. Currently, prevention and active surveillance are integral as there is no known vaccine, and treatment is only symptomatic.
a National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital , Singapore.|b Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore.|c Department of Preclinical Research, Singapore Eye Research Institute , Singapore.
Rupesh
R
Agrawal
b Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore.
Hnin Hnin
HH
Oo
c Department of Preclinical Research, Singapore Eye Research Institute , Singapore.
Praveen Kumar
PK
Balne
d Singapore Immunology Network (SigN), A*STAR , Singapore.
Lisa
L
Ng
b Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore.|c Department of Preclinical Research, Singapore Eye Research Institute , Singapore.|e Department of Ocular Surface Inflammation, Singapore National Eye Centre , Singapore.
Louis
L
Tong
f Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology (IIDE), Tan Tock Seng Hospital , Singapore.
Yee Sin
YS
Leo
D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D000071244:Zika Virus / Q000235:genetics*; D000071243:Zika Virus Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology
Ocular surface; Zika virus; tears