The Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquito species. The increasing presence of Aedes species, particularly of Aedes aegypti, and Aedes albopictus, as a vector of disease worldwide may lead to the emergence of Zika epidemics in urban areas.1
Zika virus may be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, from a mother to a newborn at birth and through breast feeding.2,3 Zika virus has also been detected in semen and reported to have been transmitted through sexual intercourse.4 In addition, Zika virus may be transmitted via transfusion and through laboratory exposure.5
Zika infection is asymptomatic in most (estimated 80 %) cases. When symptomatic, Zika virus infection may be difficult to distinguish clinically from diseases caused by other arboviruses, including Dengue and Chikungunya virus.6 Laboratory evidence of Zika infection is obtained by testing samples for viral nucleic acid or virus-specific IgM and IgG antibodies.
The Elecsys® Zika IgG is a highly specific immunoassay for the qualitative detection of IgG-antibodies in human serum or plasma.