9765. Zika virus, IgG/IgM antibodies

Zika fever is a viral infection: the vast majority of cases are caused by a bite from an Aedes mosquito infected with the Zika virus.

The mode of transmission of the disease is vector-borne, sexual, vertical (possible when a pregnant woman is infected with the Zika virus). Diagnostics is based on the detection of the virus itself in biological material, as well as specific antibodies in human blood serum.

This test is aimed at detecting IgM and IgG antibodies to the Zika virus, which may indicate an ongoing infection.

Testing for Dengue and Zika viruses should be considered in: 

• patients with clinical symptoms (fever, rash, arthralgia, conjunctivitis) who live in or have recently traveled to an area where there is a risk of exposure to these viruses;
  
• symptomatic patients who have had sexual contact with someone who lives in these areas or has recently traveled there;
  
• in children with microcephaly;
  
• pregnant women who do not have symptoms.
  

Routine testing for Zika virus infection is not recommended. However, for those who have either recently traveled to areas with high rates of Zika virus infection or have had sex with someone at high risk of infection, doctors may recommend testing.

Differential diagnosis should include chikungunya, malaria, rubella, measles, hepatitis A, parvovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, leptospirosis, rickettsiosis and group A streptococcal infection (scarlet fever). The results of laboratory tests are not the only criterion taken into account by the doctor when determining the diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment, and should be considered in conjunction with medical history and the results of other possible examinations, including instrumental diagnostic methods. Possible cross-reactivity with other flavoviruses (Dengue fever)."

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: