A recent study published in Communications Biology found that the Zika virus causes metabolic changes in human skin, transforming it from a protective barrier into a magnet for mosquitoes. The research discovered that the virus alters the expression of genes and proteins in dermal fibroblasts, the cells responsible for maintaining the skin's structural integrity.
"Our findings show that the Zika virus is not simply passively transmitted, but actively manipulates human biology to ensure its survival," said Dr. Noushin Emami, co-lead author of the paper, according to Science Daily. "As Zika cases rise and Aedes mosquitoes expand their range, understanding the mechanisms by which they gain a transmission advantage could unlock new strategies for combating arboviruses," she added,
The virus-induced metabolic changes lead to increased production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the skin, which attract mosquitoes and encourage them to bite. This increased production of VOCs makes it more likely that mosquitoes will bite infected individuals, enhancing the virus's ability to spread. Skin fibroblasts play a key role in this process.
The study's findings were supported by metaproteomic analysis, a technique examining the overall effect of interactions between different types of genes and proteins in the body. The research involved 15 scientists from institutions across Germany, Austria, Lithuania, the UK, and Sweden.
The spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the Zika virus as well as dengue, Rift Valley fever, and chikungunya, has increased in recent years due to climate change and urbanization. These mosquitoes thrive in warmer environments, facilitating their spread. Zika has been reported in over 90 countries, with increasing cases attributed to the expanding range of Aedes mosquitoes.
The Zika virus can have serious consequences for unborn children, causing severe damage to the fetus, particularly the brain, and leading to complications such as microcephaly, limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities, and hearing loss. Microcephaly is a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than expected due to abnormal brain development, resulting in a smaller brain and head size.
Many people with a Zika virus infection won't have symptoms, and many infections go unnoticed. In most cases, a Zika infection does not cause serious complaints.
There is currently no effective vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus, making prevention crucial. Prevention focuses on mosquito control and avoiding mosquito bites, especially as the virus makes the skin more attractive to mosquitoes, facilitating quicker bites and transmission.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.