Zika Virus

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course . Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about (online CE course)
Zika Virus

The Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus in the Flaviviridae family. A near-atomic level visualization of Zika finds it to be most similar to the dengue virus. There is a difference in one surface protein (glycoprotein-180) that helps flaviviruses attach to human cells. This may explain how the Zika virus attacks nerve cells. This glycoprotein could further explain the association with Guillain-Barre syndrome and birth defects, such as microcephaly.

Zika virus TEM. Image courtesy CDC.