Zika virus disease in pregnancy and associated fetal neurological complications – a descriptive review

Abstract

Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, and pregnant women are usually asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms. The virus can cross the placental barrier and is intensely neurotropic, with destructive and malformative consequences on the fetal central nervous system, causing a series of severe abnormalities in infected fetuses in the first trimester, more severe than in TORCH infections. Viral infection can be suspected during ultrasound screening by highlighting severe microcephaly and macroscopic calcifications in the fetal brain. In addition, auditory, ocular, or musculoskeletal abnormalities have been reported. Prophylaxis of infection in pregnant women is essential due to the increased risk of fetal damage currently, there is no vaccine or approved treatment.