Cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulins are increased in neonates exposed to Zika virus during foetal life

Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus, has recently emerged as a significant pathogen.1 In 2016, the World Health Organization recognized it as a global health emergency due to its spread throughout the Americas and its links to an increase in the number of neonates with congenital microcephaly.2 Subsequently, ZIKV was identified as the causative pathogen of congenital ZIKV infection in which severe neurological impairment and brain abnormalities may occur.3 It has been estimated that, among pregnant women with known maternal ZIKV infection during pregnancy, approximately a quarter of foetuses will become congenitally infected, of which a third will have severe complications at birth or experience foetal loss.

Source: Journal of Infection - January 21, 2020 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Gustavo C. Nascimento-Carvalho, Eduardo C. Nascimento-Carvalho, Martijn M. VanDuijn, Clara L. Ramos, Ana-Luisa Vilas-Boas, Ot ávio A. Moreno-Carvalho, Lona Zeneyedpour, Gerben Ferwerda, Ronald de Groot, Theo M. Luider, Cristiana M. Nascimento-Carvalho Source Type: research