Research Article
Comprehensive Review on Zika Virus: Epidemiology, Mode of Transmission, Treatment, and Future Perspectives
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-16
Received:
22 April 2025
Accepted:
12 May 2025
Published:
20 June 2025
Abstract: Zika Virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has gained significant global attention due to its rapid spread and its association with severe public health complications, particularly microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in adults. First identified in Africa, ZIKV is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, though human-to-human transmission via sexual contact, blood transfusion, and vertical transmission during pregnancy has also been documented. A single-stranded, enveloped RNA genome characterizes the virus and is genetically related to other flaviviruses such as dengue (DENV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV). The clinical presentation of ZIKV infection is typically mild, with symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia. Despite these mild symptoms in most cases, ZIKV infection has been linked to severe neurological and congenital complications, particularly in infants born to infected mothers. The 2015 outbreak in Brazil highlighted the virus’s association with birth defects, mainly microcephaly, which led to significant global concern. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathology, clinical manifestations, transmission dynamics, and complications associated with ZIKV. Additionally, the review discusses current diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, and ongoing research efforts focused on vaccine development, vector control, and potential therapeutic options. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the global public health impact of ZIKV and the urgent need for continued research and coordinated public health initiatives to control its spread. Addressing the challenges posed by ZIKV will require a combination of modern diagnostic techniques, vector control strategies, and the development of effective vaccines and therapies. This review offers a consolidated understanding of ZIKV to aid in future research, clinical practices, and global health strategies.
Abstract: Zika Virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has gained significant global attention due to its rapid spread and its association with severe public health complications, particularly microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in adults. First identified in Africa, ZIKV is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aede...
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Research Article
Evaluation of Commercial Bleach and Packing Materials as a Management Option of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Rotting Disease in Eastern Ethiopia
Reshid Abdirshikur*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-6
Received:
7 May 2025
Accepted:
23 May 2025
Published:
23 June 2025
Abstract: Tomato is a very perishable vegetable with a short shelf-life in many parts of the world including Ethiopia. Experiments were conducted to evaluate effect of commercial bleach and packing materials as a management option of these diseases. Eight levels of storage structures integrated with three levels of washing were evaluated. Among management options the highest (68.88%) mean marketable fruits were obtained from treatments washed with bleach, rinsed in water, dried and stored in plastic boxes without plastic lining. The highest incidence (89.74%) and percent severity index (67.2%) was recorded on unwashed fruits stored in traditional basket lined with polyethylene sheet, where as the lowest was from fruits washed with bleach, rinsed in water, dried and stored with plastic box without polyethylene sheet lining. Washing of fruit with bleach, rinsing in water, drying and storing in plastic box without polyethylene sheet lining was found to be the best management option. This treatment provided the highest net profit of 1298.5 Ethiopia Birr/box with marginal rate of return of 11.6% and marginal benefit of 820.5 Birr/box. In conclusion, washing of fruits with bleach, rinsing in water, drying and storing in plastic box without polyethylene sheet lining was found to be the most effective management option. However, further studies are important to evaluat other manegement options for fruit rotting fungi.
Abstract: Tomato is a very perishable vegetable with a short shelf-life in many parts of the world including Ethiopia. Experiments were conducted to evaluate effect of commercial bleach and packing materials as a management option of these diseases. Eight levels of storage structures integrated with three levels of washing were evaluated. Among management op...
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