Differences in Asian and African Zika virus strains concerning microcephaly

Radjiman, Tim (2022) Differences in Asian and African Zika virus strains concerning microcephaly. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

Preview	Text bBIO_2022_RadjimanHS.pdf Download (325kB) | Preview
	Text Toestemming.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (160kB)

Abstract

Zika virus is an arbovirus of the genus Flavivirus, with mosquitoes being their primary vector. Zika virus can be classified into African and Asian lineages, the latter being associated with congenital Zika syndrome, which includes microcephaly. To find out why the lineages differ in their ability to cause microcephaly, I conducted a literature review. Findings indicate an intrinsic higher pathogenicity of African Zika strains, which could potentially be caused by mutations in the E proteins of the virus. Because of this, African Zika might just kill the fetuses, while Asian Zika strains induce microcephaly. Furthermore, antiviral responses of the host differ both between Asian/African strains, and between hosts. Indicating that genetic variability in humans could also play a role in the occurrence of microcephaly. Concluding, there are clear differences in African and Asian Zika strains. One such difference is in pathogenicity, which is possibly induced by strain specific genetic changes and varying host antiviral responses. This is most likely the key difference that results in inducing microcephaly or not. However, more research is needed as this problem is multifactorial and complicated, thus potentially other factors could contribute in inducing microcephaly, which have not been discovered yet.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Lequime, S.J.J.
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2022 09:57
Last Modified:	21 Jul 2022 09:57
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/28090

Actions (login required)

View Item