Neurological Complication Caused by Zika Virus: Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Abstract

The Zika virus was given this name because it was first isolated in the Zika forests in Uganda. The Zika virus is a type of virus with the Flavivirus genome belonging to the family Falanridae. This virus has an icosohedral structure, enveloped and positive-polarity single-stranded RNA. The primary vector for the infection is mosquitoes. If it is a tropical region, Aedes is carried by aegypti mosquitoes; in temperate regions, it can also be carried by the Aedes albopictus mosquito. Apart from mosquito bites, it can also be transmitted from person to person, from mother to fetus, sexually, by blood transfusion and in cases of exposure in laboratory environment. The first major outbreak occurred in 2007 on the island of Yap in the southern Pacific Ocean, and during the study of cases it was confused with other viral diseases in diagnosing the Zika virus. Therefore, clinical manifestations need to be carefully determined. Looking at the clinical symptoms of Zika virus, it is fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, joint pain, chronic fatigue, weakness, myalgia, anorexia, rash, edema. The Zika virus has also been associated with neurological complications and has been shown to trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy that can be seen at all ages. Those who know the most about its clinical manifestations are symmetrical muscle weakness and loss of deep tendon reflexes. If respiratory failure and autonomic involvement occur, it can be fatal for patients. Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a treatable disease. With advanced treatment methods, a complete recovery can be seen in patients. Due to the fact that it has a progressive clinic, the recovery process can be fast and positive for patients in early diagnosis. Today, with the appearance of Aedes mosquitoes that affect the transmission of Zika virus in our country, it is necessary to pay attention to the infection and neurological effects. In this review, the relationship between Zika virus and Guillain-Barre Syndrome is tried to be explained.