Introduction of Zika virus in Bangladesh: An impending public health threat
10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.08.015
- Author:
Sharmin SULTANA
1
;
Tahmina SHIRIN
1
;
Selina KHATUN
2
;
MdTarikul ISLAM
3
;
Mahmudur RAHMAN
4
Author Information
1. Department of Virology, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR)
2. Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR)
3. Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives
4. Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR)
- Collective Name:Department of Virology, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control & Research (IEDCR)
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Bangladesh;
Public health impact;
Zika virus
- From:
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
2017;10(9):925-928
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To explore the presence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Bangladesh and to understand the associated risk factors. Methods A retrospective sero-surveillance was performed on stored serum samples of dengue surveillance conducted from 2013 to 2016. Real time RT-PCR was performed on randomly selected acute serum samples to detect the Zika virus nucleic acid. Results Of 200 samples screened, one was found positive for ZIKV by real time RT-PCR and further confirmed by genome sequencing. The case was a 65 years old male from a metropolitan city of Bangladesh who had no history of travel outside Bangladesh. Phylogenetic analysis of partial E gene sequences from Bangladeshi isolates demonstrated a close relationship with ZIKV from Brazil and current South American strains clustering within a monophyletic clade distinct from African lineage. Conclusions Presence of ZIKV raises serious public health concerns in Bangladesh owing to its association with congenital anomalies/neurological-manifestations. We, therefore, recommend every suspected viral fever patient, particularly pregnant women be screened for ZIKV infection to rule out yet another emerging infection in Bangladesh.
