Flaviviruses and where the Zika virus fits in: An overview

Abstract

The Flavivirus genus encompasses a diverse group of mosquito-borne, tick-borne, insect-specific, and no-known vector viruses. All flaviviruses are enveloped, single-stranded positive RNA viruses that replicate integrally in the cytoplasm. Arthropod-borne flaviviruses represent a global burden for human and veterinary health. They have the ability to infect and replicate in blood-sucking arthropods and can be biologically transmitted to vertebrate hosts. Infection in hosts is usually self-limiting and the immune system generates a memory neutralizing response. Environmental changes caused by humans, the massive exchange of people by air transportation and the RNA nature of these viruses promote the emergence of new and old Flaviviruses, increasing their burden to global health. Dengue, yellow fever, Zika, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis viruses are examples of emerging flaviviruses.