The Zika virus uses human skin to lure mosquitoes so that you can spread easier – according to a study conducted by scientists from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in Great Britain.
The Zika virus appears in an increasing number of countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Oceania. It is mainly transferred by Egyptian mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), and the infection is usually asymptomatic or is short and gentle. However, the infection is dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause serious damage to the fetus (especially the brain). An effective vaccine against this virus is not available so far.
Along with the warming of the climate and the progressive urbanization of the Egyptian mosquito, which transfers Zika, Dengi and Chikungunya's disease. Still, surprisingly little is known about the factors that are conducive to moving Zika.
Egyptian mosquito (aedes aegypti)pongmoji/adobe stock
The Zika virus changes the skin into “mosquito magnet”
Scientists from the British Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) have shown that the Zika virus causes metabolic changes in human skin, which transform it from the protective barrier into “Magnet for Mosquito”. The results of the study, which was published on Thursday in the journal “Communications Biology” show that Zika virus changes the expression of genes and proteins in skin fibroblasts, the type of cells responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the skin. These metabolic changes increase the production of some chemicals emitted by the skin, known as volatile organic compounds (LZO), which are attractive to mosquitoes and encourage them to bite. The discoveries of scientists from Liverpool are supported by a comprehensive analysis of metaproteom – a technique that studies the general effect of interaction of various types of genes and proteins in the body. – Our discoveries show that the Zika virus is not simply passively transmitted, but actively manipulates man's biology to ensure survival – said Dr. Nooushin Emami, lecturer at LSTM and co -author of the article. – As the number of cases increases and the extent of the Aedes mosquitoes, understanding the mechanisms, thanks to which they gain an advantage in transmission, can discover new strategies for the fight against arbovirus. This may include the development of genetic interventions that disturb the signal transmitted by the skin, which seems to be so attractive to mosquitoes. The possibilities are as intriguing as urgent – he emphasized.
Mosquitoes – Zika Virus CarriersPAP
PAP, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Source of the main photo: pongmoji/adobe stock