ADVANCES IN ZIKA VIRUS: AN OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH AND CLINICAL TRIALS

Author

Himasvi M M, Dr. Pooja Gopal Poojari, A R Shabaraya


Abstract

 Zika virus (ZIKV), an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus, remains a major public health concern due to its strong association with congenital abnormalities, severe fetal neurodevelopmental defects, and neurological complications such as Guillain–Barré syndrome. First identified in Uganda in 1947, ZIKV is transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, with sexual, vertical, and blood-borne transmission also well-documented [1–4]. The 2015–2016 global epidemic established the critical role of ZIKV as a primary cause of congenital Zika syndrome, including severe microcephaly [4,8]. India continues to experience sporadic outbreaks, with the World Health Organization reporting 151 confirmed cases during 2024 across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat [7]. Despite significant advances in understanding viral pathogenesis, structural biology, and diagnostic modalities, no vaccine or specific antiviral therapy is licensed for routine clinical use [5,6]. This comprehensive narrative review summarizes major developments in ZIKV research, focusing on candidate vaccine platforms (purified inactivated, DNA, mRNA, viral-vector, and virus-like-particle vaccines), clinical trial pipelines, diagnostic innovations, candidate antiviral molecules, and key public health priorities [6,9,10–18]. Literature was retrieved through PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and official public health databases. Candidate platforms demonstrate high immunogenicity in early-phase clinical studies, yet challenges remain regarding durability of immunity, flavivirus antibody cross-reactivity, and trial recruitment due to unpredictable outbreak epidemiology [6,9,15]. Sustained research, vector control, and global collaboration remain essential.


Keywords

Zika virus, vaccine development, clinical trials, immunogenicity, antiviral therapy



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References


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