J. Basic. Appl. Sci. Res., 6(6)7-10, 2016 © 2016, TextRoad Publication ISSN 2090-4304 Journal of Basic and Applied Scientific Research www.textroad.com *Corresponding Author: Uzma Faridi (MSc. Ph.D.), Biochemistry Department, College of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. E mail: ufaridi@ut.edu.sa Mobile: 0541848745 ZIKA Virus (ZIKV): Insights in Saudi Arabia Uzma Faridi (MSc. Ph.D.) Biochemistry Department, College of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk Saudi Arabia. Received: March 3, 2016 Accepted: May 19, 2016 ABSTRACT After the outbreak of MERS, Zika is becoming an epidemic disease and affecting many countries all over the world, till now 31 countries are reported to be ZIKV positive. The main threat is in the American countries, especially Brazil. The ZIKV is from the flavivirus family and spread by the vector Aedes aegypti the same mosquito that carries Dengue. The first report in human was reported from Nigeria in 1968 then the outbreak was reported on Yap Island now the recent is reported in Brazil where 440000-1300000 suspected cases of Zika infection are reported. The major threat of ZIKV infection is for the foetus and because of this infection almost 4000 cases of Microcephaly in recently born were reported bemuses by ZIKV pregnant women. The virus is ssRNA virus with Envelop protein, capsid protein and 7 non-structural proteins. The virus can be transmitted by different sources like by mosquito bite, from pregnant women to foetus, by sexual intercourse or blood transfusion. There is no vaccine or medicine to treat Zika although research is going on all over the world till date. Precautions should be taken to avoid the infection until we have some effective vaccine against ZIKV. In Middle East there is positive case of ZIKV and according to Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia there is no positive case of ZIKV in Saudi Arabia. Abbreviations: Zika Virus ZIKV, Guillain-Barre syndrome GBS, World Health Organization W.H.O, Single standard RNA ssRNA. KEY WORDS: Zika virus (ZIKV), Brazil, Pregnant women, Vaccines, Microcephaly INTRODUCTION After the deadly outbreak of MERS, Zika seems to be the new threat for the world. Zika virus (ZIKV)is enveloped, single standard RNA virus which can infect mammals like monkey, rodents including humans[1]. The virus is composed of capsid protein (C), Envelop protein (E), seven nonstructural proteins (NS) anda single standard RNA (10794 kb) [2].The Non-structural proteins have different functions and they are involved in the polymerase, methyl transferase activity, translational and virus crystallization [3]. Transmission of ZIKV is through the vector Aedes aegyptia major Arbovirus vector [4] that carries viruses of dengue, yellow fever, Chikungunya, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis in human and other mammals [5]. ZIKV is non-fatal disease but the consequence of this disease can be dangerous. During mild infection it causes fever, rashes and muscle weakness in adults [6].The more severe symptoms are Gullain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly in infants[7]. The first report of ZIKAV isolation is from the serum of rhesus monkey in Zika forest during epidemiology research of yellow fever in 1947and the virus was named as ZIKV, Inhuman ZIKAV was confirmed during the serological studies of a male in Uganda in 1952[1]. The first case of laboratory infection was reported in 1973[8].The first outbreak was reported in Yap Island in Micronesia where 5000 cases were reported and before not more than 14 cases were reported[9]. No case was reported till 2013, but after that 28000 cases were reported in the pacific[10].The new target of ZIKAV is US and Territories. In United States total of 388 cases are reported till date and all are travel associated. In US Territories total of 503 are reported and 500 cases are travel associated. In United States, Florida (84), New York (60), Texas (30) are the states with the highest number of cases and all are travel associated. In U.S territory Puerto Rico is at number one with474 positive cases all of them are locally acquired. Brazil is the most affected country and 440000-1300000 suspected cases of Zika were reported [11]. No further transmission was identified in the Pacific until October 2013, when French Polynesia (FP) reported the first cases; a subsequent explosive outbreak resulted in an estimated 28 000 cases seeking medical care (approximately 11% of the population). Epidemiology: The first cases Zika infection in human was reported in 1952 in Uganda[1], currently31 countries are reported to be positive with the ZIKV infection. AFew countries with positive ZIKAV cases are Brazil, Barbados, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, and Venezuela[12]. 7