Limited Evidence for Infection of Urban and Peri-urban Nonhuman Primates with Zika and Chikungunya Viruses in Brazil

The authors of this study tested nonhuman primates (NHP) sampled during 2012 to 2017 in urban and peri-urban areas severely affected by ZIKV and CHIKV in Brazil. Seroprevalence and antibody titers were low for both viruses. Additionally, they found evidence for infection by heterologous viruses eliciting cross-reactive antibodies. These data suggest that urban or peri-urban NHP are not easily infected by ZIKV and CHIKV despite intense local transmission, and they may also imply that the ZIKV and CHIKV outbreaks in the Americas cannot be sustained in urban or peri-urban NHP once human population immunity limits urban transmission cycles.

Structural and Functional Basis of the Fidelity of Nucleotide Selection by Flavivirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases

In this article, the authors review current knowledge on motifs A-G, defined as the conserved amino-acid sequence strings shared by enzymes, and their role on the structural and mechanistic basis of the fidelity of nucleotide selection and RNA synthesis by Flavivirus RdRps.

Emerging trends of Zika apprehension in an epidemic setting

The findings of this study have implications for the development of multifaceted infection control programs, including strategies for prevention and awareness, helping the population to develop an accurate perception of the threat they are facing and encouraging behavior changes.

The Zika Virus Epidemic in Brazil: From Discovery to Future Implications

The authors of this study discuss gaps in the knowledge and the challenges ahead to anticipate, prevent, and control emerging and re-emerging epidemics of arboviruses in Brazil and worldwide.

Recombinant Zika NS1 Protein Secreted from Vero Cells Is Efficient for Inducing Production of Immune Serum Directed against NS1 Dimer

The authors of this article demonstrated that recombinant ZIKV NS1 expressed in mammalian cells stably transduced with a lentiviral vector is suitable for inducing the production of specific antibody directed against NS1 oligomer. According to the authors, anti-ZIKV immune serum could be a great tool for the specific detection of secreted NS1 hexamer in human cells infected with ZIKV of African and Asia lineages, including contemporary epidemic strains.

Zika virus can be venereally transmitted between Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

In this study, researchers assessed for the first time the venereal transmission of ZIKV between Aedes aegypti under laboratory conditions. Their conclusion is that venereal transmission between Aedes mosquitoes might contribute to Zika virus maintenance in nature.

Zika virus evolution on the edges of the Pacific ocean

In this study, by adding 13 new full ZIKAV genome sequences, isolated from different places in the Pacific region and at different periods of time, along with other published genomes, the authors provide for the first time a map of the whole ZIKAV Pacific sublineage, from the Western to the Eastern edges of the Pacific ocean.

Stress-induced unfolded protein response contributes to Zika virus–associated microcephaly

In order to understand the mechanism of Zika virus-associated microcephaly, the authors combined analysis of human fetuses infected with Zika virus, cultures of human neuronal stem cells and mice embryos. They showed that ZIKV infection of cortical progenitors controlling neurogenesis triggers a stress in the endoplasmic reticulum in the embryonic brain, inducing signals in response to incorrect protein con-formation.

REDe Webinar: How to plan and deliver quality assured data clinical research study, November 2017

Webinar: How to plan and deliver quality assured data in a clinical research study

Vectorial status of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus of La Réunion Island for Zika virus

The authors performed an experimental oral infection with the Asian genotype of ZIKV in Ae. albopictus from La Réunion and found a strong midgut barrier to dissemination. This result is discussed in the light of previous vector competence assays for DENV and CHIKV performed on other Ae. albopictus populations from La Réunion.

ZIKAlliance’s Annual Meeting in Guadeloupe 23-24 November, 2017

High Zika Virus Seroprevalence in Salvador, Northeastern Brazil Limits the Potential for Further Outbreaks

In this article, authors find that the high burden of Zika virus infection in a northeastern Brazilian metropolis questions the fate of the outbreak due to population protective immunity; that Zika virus infection predominantly affects geographic areas with low socioeconomic status, demonstrating a clear link between poverty and Zika virus infection; and, finally, additional evidence for the link between Zika virus infection and microcephaly.

High Zika Virus Seroprevalence in Salvador, Northeastern Brazil Limits the Potential for Further Outbreaks [Press Release]

A study published this week in mBio demonstrates rapid spread of ZIKV in Salvador, a metropolis in northeastern Brazil representing one of the most affected areas during the American ZIKV outbreak, and infection rates exceeding 60%.

Infection of a French Population of Aedes albopictus and of Aedes aegypti (Paea Strain) with Zika Virus Reveals Low Transmission Rates to These Vectors’ Saliva

This study shows that the extrinsic incubation period of Ae. aegypti for transmission is shorter than that of Ae. albopictus.

Zika virus displacement by a chikungunya outbreak in Recife, Brazil

In 2015–2016 in the Recife Metropolitan Region, the authors of this study detected the tail end of a Zika epidemic, which was displaced by a chikungunya epidemic. Few dengue cases were identified despite a high number of official dengue notifications in the area during this period. This study shows here important epidemiological features of these cases.

The Global Health Network roundup ECTMIH 2017 conference

The Global Health Network showcased its work at the recent ECTMIH 2017 conference in Antwerp. It was a pleasure to meet so many researchers working across varied areas of Global Health. Many thanks to those of you who stopped by the exhibition stand. There was a lot of interest in the network with over 250 signups for more information as well as many great conversations about our online tools and member-sites. Many of you shared some great suggestions for areas to look to develop further such as health economics and NTDs as well as ideas for new eLearning courses.

InFocus interview with Anna-Bella Failloux

Regional faculties: building capacity for research

To highlight the types of activities run by The Global Health Network's innovative regional faculties, and how those can raise the capacity for research, dedicated faculty leaders Glory Oluwagbenga Ogunfowokun (Nigeria) and Jackeline Alger (Honduras) have created these video interviews

Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes do not support replication of Zika virus

The authors of this study found that Culex quinquefasciatus does not support ZIKV replication and Wolbachia is not involved in producing this phenotype. These mosquitoes are therefore very unlikely to play a role in transmission of ZIKV.