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1.
Arq Bras Oftalmol ; 88(1): e20220375, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39319841

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess grating visual acuity and functional vision in children with congenital Zika syndrome. METHODS: Initial and final grating visual acuity was measured using Teller acuity cards. Cerebral vision impairment standardized tests were used to assess functional vision. Patients were referred to the early visual intervention program for visually disabled children. Neuroimaging was performed. RESULTS: In this study, 10 children were included with an age range of 1-37 months. Eight patients presented with macular atrophic scars. Neuroimaging revealed microcephaly and cerebral abnormalities in all patients. Low vision and cerebral vision impairment characteristics were observed in all children. The final grating visual acuity in this group varied from 3.00 to 0.81 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: The grating visual acuity test revealed low vision in all children with congenital Zika syndrome. Functional vision evaluation revealed cerebral vision impairment characteristics in all patients, who were referred to the early visual intervention program. Visual acuity improved in six children.


Subject(s)
Visual Acuity , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Visual Acuity/physiology , Zika Virus Infection/congenital , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Zika Virus Infection/physiopathology , Infant , Female , Male , Child, Preschool , Vision Tests , Microcephaly/physiopathology , Vision, Low/physiopathology , Vision, Low/etiology
2.
J Neurol Sci ; 465: 123190, 2024 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39182423

ABSTRACT

Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) comprises a set of clinical manifestations that can be presented by neonates born to mothers infected by the Zika virus (ZIKV). CZS-associated phenotypes include neurological, skeletal, and systemic alterations and long-term developmental sequelae. One of the most frequently reported clinical conditions is microcephaly characterized by a reduction in head circumference and cognitive complications. Nevertheless, the associations among the diverse signaling pathways underlying CZS phenotypes remain to be elucidated. To shed light on CZS, we have extensively reviewed the morphological anomalies resulting from ZIKV infection, as well as genes and proteins of interest obtained from the published literature. With this list of genes or proteins, we performed computational analyses to explore the cellular processes, molecular mechanisms, and molecular pathways related to ZIKV infection. Therefore, in this review, we comprehensively describe the morphological abnormalities caused by congenital ZIKV infection and, through the analysis noted above, propose common molecular pathways altered by ZIKV that could explain both central nervous system and craniofacial skeletal alterations.


Subject(s)
Microcephaly , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Zika Virus Infection/congenital , Female , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Pregnancy , Zika Virus/genetics , Zika Virus/pathogenicity , Infant, Newborn , Signal Transduction/genetics
3.
J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr ; 79(3): 679-687, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39054595

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe feeding practices and weight status in a cohort of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: This longitudinal study of children with CZS (N = 156) included data collection on child feeding practices and weight status at five timepoints between 2018 and 2022. The average age of the children was 32.1 months at enrollment and 76.6 months at the fifth assessment. Multilevel models, with repeated observations nested within children, were used to estimate time-related differences in each outcome. RESULTS: Use of enteral feeding, such as gastrostomy, increased from 19.2% to 33.3% over 4 years (p < .001). Among children who did not exclusively use an enteral feeding method, the percentage experiencing at least one dysphagia-associated behavior, such as coughing or gagging, increased from 73.9% to 85.3% (p = .030) while consuming liquids and from 36.2% to 73.5% (p = .001) while consuming solids. Based on weight-for-age z-scores, the percentage of children who were moderately or severely underweight increased from 42.5% to 46.1% over the 4 years but was not statistically significant. Children exclusively using an enteral feeding method had significantly decreased odds of being underweight at assessments 3, 4, and 5. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the ongoing and increasing challenges of feeding young children with CZS. Our findings elucidate the physiological reasons children with CZS may be underweight and point to intervention targets, such as enteral feeding, to improve their feeding practices.


Subject(s)
Body Weight , Enteral Nutrition , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Brazil/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/congenital , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Female , Male , Child, Preschool , Enteral Nutrition/methods , Infant , Feeding Behavior , Child
4.
J Neurol Sci ; 463: 123140, 2024 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39047509

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) can lead to significant functional impairments, yet little is understood about the recovery phase and long-term consequences for patients in low- and medium-income countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional status and identify factors influencing outcomes among patients with GBS in Colombia. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted with GBS patients enrolled in the Neuroviruses Emerging in the Americas Study between 2016 and 2020. The investigation encompassed access to health services and functional status assessments, utilizing the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), GBS Disability Score (GDS), Barthel Index (BI), and International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Univariate analysis, principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and linear regression were employed to explore factors influencing functional status. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (mean age = 50[±22] years) with a median time from diagnosis of 28 months (IQR = 9-34) were included. Notably, 22% and 16% of patients did not receive rehabilitation services during the acute episode and post-discharge, respectively. Most patients demonstrated independence in basic daily activities (median BI = 100, IQR = 77.5-100), improvement in disability as the median mRS at follow-up was lower than at onset (1 [IQR = 0-3] vs. 4.5 [IQR = 4-5], p < 0.001), and most were able to walk without assistance (median GDS = 2, IQR = 0-2). A shorter period from disease onset to interview was associated with worse mRS (p = 0.015) and ICF (p = 0.019). Negative outcomes on GDS and ICF were linked to low socioeconomic status, ICF to the severity of weakness at onset, and BI to an older age. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores that the functional recovery of GBS patients in Colombia is influenced not only by the natural course of the disease but also by socioeconomic factors, emphasizing the crucial role of social determinants of health.


Subject(s)
Guillain-Barre Syndrome , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Colombia/epidemiology , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/epidemiology , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/diagnosis , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Adult , Aged , Disability Evaluation , Epidemics , Recovery of Function , Functional Status
5.
Am J Trop Med Hyg ; 111(3): 622-626, 2024 Sep 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38981499

ABSTRACT

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnancy is associated with severe abnormalities of the brain and eye and other adverse outcomes. Zika en Embarazadas y Niños was a prospective cohort study conducted in multiple Colombian cities that enrolled pregnant women in their first trimester. Specimens collected from pregnant women (n = 1,519) during February 2017-September 2018 and their infants (n = 1,080) during June 2017-March 2019 were tested for prenatal ZIKV infection by nucleic acid amplification tests or IgM antibody testing. Zika virus infection in pregnancy was present in 3.2% of pregnant women (incidence rate [IR] per 1,000 person-months = 5.9, 95% CI: 4.3-7.8). Presumptive ZIKV infection was present in 0.8% of infants (IR = 1.6, 95% CI: 0.7-2.9). Five percent of infants with prenatal ZIKV exposure or infection presented with Zika-associated abnormalities; 4.7% were small for gestational age. Understanding the risk of ZIKV infection during pregnancy and associated adverse outcomes can help inform counseling efforts.


Subject(s)
Dengue , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Colombia/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology , Adult , Dengue/epidemiology , Infant, Newborn , Zika Virus/isolation & purification , Young Adult , Adolescent , Pregnancy Outcome , Infant , Male
6.
J Pregnancy ; 2024: 1758662, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38961858

ABSTRACT

Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is a major concern in India and highlights the multifaceted challenges posed by the Zika virus (ZIKV). The alarming increase in CZS cases in India, a condition that has serious effects on both public health and newborns, has raised concerns. This review highlights the importance of raising concern and awareness and taking preventive measures by studying the epidemiology, clinical symptoms, and potential long-term consequences of CZS. The review also contributes to worldwide research and information sharing to improve the understanding and prevention of CZS. As India deals with the changing nature of CZS, this thorough review is an important tool for policymakers, health workers, and researchers to understand what is happening now, plan for what to do in the future, and work together as a team, using medical knowledge, community involvement, and study projects to protect newborns' health and reduce the public health impact of these syndromes.


Subject(s)
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/congenital , Zika Virus Infection/prevention & control , Zika Virus Infection/complications , India/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control , Female , Zika Virus , Microcephaly/epidemiology , Microcephaly/virology , Microcephaly/etiology
7.
Viruses ; 16(7)2024 Jun 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39066166

ABSTRACT

AIM: Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZS) presents notable hurdles to neurodevelopment, with language development emerging as a crucial aspect. This study investigates sleep patterns and language skills in children with CZS, aiming to explore the potential synchronization of sleep development with their neurodevelopment. METHOD: We studied cross-sectionally 135 children with CZS aged 0 to 48 months, investigating sleep using the BISQ Questionnaire. Language development was assessed using the Early Language Milestone Scale, while motor development and cognitive and social ability were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Young Child Development 3rd edition. We also studied longitudinally a cohort of 16 children (initially aged 0 to 12 months) whom we followed for four years, assessing at one-year intervals. RESULTS: Sleep disturbances and language deficits were highly frequent in this population. In the 0-12 months group, a late bedtime and frequent nighttime awakenings were associated with poorer auditory expressive skills. At 13-24 months, nighttime awakenings were associated with poorer auditory expressive skills, while among 25-36-month-olds decreased auditory receptive skills were associated with longer sleep onset latency and reduced nighttime sleep duration. CONCLUSION: The brain alterations caused by Zika virus infection affect both sleep disturbances and delays in language development. It is possible that sleep disturbance may be a mediating factor in the pathway between CZS and delayed language development, as the three analyzed language skills showed a correlation with sleep parameters.


Subject(s)
Language Development , Sleep , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Zika Virus Infection/physiopathology , Zika Virus Infection/virology , Zika Virus Infection/congenital , Infant , Female , Male , Child, Preschool , Sleep/physiology , Infant, Newborn , Cross-Sectional Studies , Sleep Wake Disorders/physiopathology , Sleep Wake Disorders/virology , Zika Virus/physiology , Longitudinal Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Language Development Disorders/physiopathology , Language Development Disorders/virology
8.
Rev Soc Bras Med Trop ; 57: e00301, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39082517

ABSTRACT

This review aimed to provide an update on the morphological and/or functional abnormalities related to congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, based on primary data from studies conducted in Brazil since 2015. During the epidemic years (2015-2016), case series and pediatric cohort studies described several birth defects, including severe and/or disproportionate microcephaly, cranial bone overlap, skull collapse, congenital contractures (arthrogryposis and/or clubfoot), and visual and hearing abnormalities, as part of the spectrum of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Brain imaging abnormalities, mainly cortical atrophy, ventriculomegaly, and calcifications, serve as structural markers of CZS severity. Most case series and cohorts of microcephaly have reported the co-occurrence of epilepsy, dysphagia, orthopedic deformities, motor function impairment, cerebral palsy, and urological impairment. A previous large meta-analysis conducted in Brazil revealed that a confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy was associated with a 4% risk of microcephaly. Additionally, one-third of children showed at least one abnormality, predominantly identified in isolation. Studies examining antenatally ZIKV-exposed children without detectable abnormalities at birth reported conflicting neurodevelopmental results. Therefore, long-term follow-up studies involving pediatric cohorts with appropriate control groups are needed to address this knowledge gap. We recognize the crucial role of a national network of scientists collaborating with international research institutions in understanding the lifelong consequences of congenital ZIKV infection. Additionally, we highlight the need to provide sustainable resources for research and development to reduce the risk of future Zika outbreaks.


Subject(s)
Microcephaly , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Zika Virus Infection , Zika Virus Infection/congenital , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Humans , Brazil/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Female , Microcephaly/virology , Microcephaly/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology , Infant, Newborn
9.
J Bras Nefrol ; 46(3): e20230168, 2024.
Article in English, Portuguese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39074252

ABSTRACT

Arboviruses are endemic in several countries and represent a worrying public health problem. The most important of these diseases is dengue fever, whose numbers continue to rise and have reached millions of annual cases in Brazil since the last decade. Other arboviruses of public health concern are chikungunya and Zika, both of which have caused recent epidemics, and yellow fever, which has also caused epidemic outbreaks in our country. Like most infectious diseases, arboviruses have the potential to affect the kidneys through several mechanisms. These include the direct action of the viruses, systemic inflammation, hemorrhagic phenomena and other complications, in addition to the toxicity of the drugs used in treatment. In this review article, the epidemiological aspects of the main arboviruses in Brazil and other countries where these diseases are endemic, clinical aspects and the main laboratory changes found, including changes in renal function, are addressed. It also describes how arboviruses behave in kidney transplant patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms of kidney injury associated with arboviruses are described and finally the recommended treatment for each disease and recommendations for kidney support in this context are given.


Subject(s)
Arbovirus Infections , Humans , Arbovirus Infections/epidemiology , Arboviruses , Brazil/epidemiology , Kidney Transplantation , Chikungunya Fever/epidemiology , Chikungunya Fever/complications , Chikungunya Fever/diagnosis , Kidney Diseases/virology , Kidney Diseases/epidemiology , Kidney Diseases/therapy , Kidney Diseases/etiology , Dengue/epidemiology , Dengue/complications , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Yellow Fever/epidemiology
10.
Behav Brain Res ; 471: 115114, 2024 08 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38878972

ABSTRACT

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a neurotropic Orthoflavivirus that causes a myriad of neurological manifestations in newborns exposed in uterus. Despite the devastating consequences of ZIKV on the developing brain, strategies to prevent or treat the consequences of viral infection are not yet available. We previously showed that short-term treatment with the TNF-α neutralizing monoclonal antibody. Infliximab could prevent seizures at acute and chronic stages of ZIKV infection, but had no impact on long-term cognitive and motor dysfunction. Due to the central role of inflammation in ZIKV-neuropathology, we hypothesized that prolonged treatment with the anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody Infliximab could provide complete rescue of long-term behavioral deficits associated with neonatal ZIKV infection in mice. Here, neonatal (post-natal day 3) Swiss mice were submitted to subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of 106 PFU of ZIKV or mock medium and were then treated with Infliximab (20 µg/day) or sterile saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), for 40 days starting on the day of infection, and behavioral assessment started at 60 days post-infection (dpi). Infliximab prevented ZIKV-induced cognitive and motor impairments in mice. In addition, microgliosis and cell death found in mice following ZIKV infection were partially reversed by TNF-α blockage. Altogether, these results suggest that TNF-α-mediated inflammation is central for late ZIKV-induced behavioral deficits and cell death and strategies targeting this cytokine may be promising approaches to treat subjects exposed to the virus during development.


Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , Infliximab , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha , Zika Virus Infection , Animals , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Mice , Infliximab/pharmacology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Behavior, Animal/drug effects , Animals, Newborn , Zika Virus/drug effects , Male , Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology , Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy , Female
12.
Strabismus ; 32(2): 91-101, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773721

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To assess long-term visual and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) after strabismus surgery. Methods: A consecutive sample of five children with CZS who underwent strabismus surgery was enrolled. All children underwent a standardized pre- and postoperative protocol including binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using the Teller Acuity Cards II (TAC II), ocular alignment, functional vision using the functional vision developmental milestones test (FVDMT), and neurodevelopmental milestone evaluation using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Third Edition (BSID-III). Scores of the FVDMT outcomes considering the child's developmental age based on the BSID-III score were compared with scores from postoperative assessment. Results: Five children with CZS (3 girls, 2 boys) were enrolled with a mean age at baseline (preoperative) of 35.0 ± 0.7 months (range, 34-36 months) and at final assessment of 64.4 ± 0.5 months (range, 64-65 months). Preoperative BCVA was 1.2 ± 0.5 logMAR and at final assessment 0.7 ± 0.1 logMAR. Successful strabismus surgery outcome was maintained in 4/5 (80.0%) of children at final assessment. The children's BSID-III scores showed significant neurodevelopment delay at the initial assessment (corresponding developmental mean age was 4.7 months) and at their final assessment (corresponding developmental mean age was 5.1 months). There was improvement or stability in 34/46 items evaluated in the FVDMT (73.9%) when comparing baseline with 2-year follow-up. Conclusions: Strabismus surgery resulted in long-term ocular alignment in the majority of children with CZS. All the children showed improvement or stability in more than 70.0% of the functional vision items assessed. Visual and neurodevelopmental dysfunction may be related to complex condition and associated disorders seen in CZS including ocular, neurological, and skeletal abnormalities.


Subject(s)
Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures , Strabismus , Visual Acuity , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Female , Male , Strabismus/surgery , Strabismus/physiopathology , Child, Preschool , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Visual Acuity/physiology , Follow-Up Studies , Oculomotor Muscles/surgery , Oculomotor Muscles/physiopathology , Vision, Binocular/physiology , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/etiology , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome
13.
Seizure ; 118: 148-155, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38704883

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify continuous epileptiform discharges (CEDs) on electroencephalograms (EEG) and to determine their clinical significance in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 75 children diagnosed with CZS born from March 2015 and followed up until September 2018 (age up to 36 months). EEG was performed to detect CEDs up to 24 months old. Data on obstetric, demographic, and clinical signs; cranial computed tomography (CT); ophthalmology examination; anti-seizure medication; growth; and motor development were collected. Fisher's exact test was used to verify the associations between categorical variables, and the T- test was used to compare the mean z-scores of anthropometric measurements between the groups with and without CED. RESULTS: CEDs were identified in 41 (54.67 %) children. The mean age of CEDs identification was 12.24 ± 6.86 months. Bilateral CEDs were shown in 62.89 % of EEGs. CEDs were associated with severe congenital microcephaly, defined by z-score >3 standard deviation of head circumference (HC) below the mean for sex and age (p = 0.025), and worse outcomes, including first seizure before 6 months (p = 0.004), drug-resistant epilepsy (p < 0.001), chorioretinal scarring or mottling (p = 0.002), and severe CT findings (p = 0.002). The CED group had lower mean z-scores of HC up to 24 months of age. CONCLUSION: This is the first description of the prevalence and significance of CEDs that also remains during wakefulness in patients with CZS. New investigations may suggest that it is more appropriate to classify the EEG not as a CED, but as a periodic pattern. Anyway, CEDs may be a marker of neurological severity in children with CSZ.


Subject(s)
Electroencephalography , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Zika Virus Infection/physiopathology , Zika Virus Infection/congenital , Female , Male , Infant , Prospective Studies , Child, Preschool , Microcephaly/physiopathology , Microcephaly/diagnostic imaging , Epilepsy/physiopathology , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/etiology , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/physiopathology
14.
Braz J Infect Dis ; 28(2): 103741, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38670165

ABSTRACT

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary disease characterized by extravascular and intravascular hemolysis and clinical variability, from mild pain to potentially life-threatening. Arboviruses include mainly Zika (ZIKV), Chikungunya (CHKV), and Dengue (DENV) virus, and are considered a public and social health problem. The present cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the prevalence of arbovirus infection in SCD patients from two Brazilian cities, Salvador and Manaus located in Bahia and Amazonas states respectively. A total of 409 individuals with SCD were included in the study, and 307 (75.06 %) patients tested positive for DENV-IgG, 161 (39.36 %) for ZIKV-IgG, and 60 (14.67 %) for CHIKV-IgG. Only one individual was positive for DENV-NS1 and another for DENV-IgM, both from Salvador. No individuals had positive serology for ZIKV-IgM or CHIKV-IgM. Arbovirus positivity by IgG testing revealed that the SCD group presented high frequencies in both cities. Interestingly, these differences were only statistically significant for ZIKV-IgG (p = 0.023) and CHIKV-IgG (p = 0.005) among SCD patients from Manaus. The reshaping of arbovirus from its natural habitat by humans due to disorderly urban expansion and the ease of international Mobility has been responsible for facilitating the spread of vector-borne infectious diseases in humans. We found the need for further studies on arboviruses in this population to elucidate the real association and impact, especially in acute infection. We hope that this study will contribute to improvements in the personalized clinical follow-up of SCD patients, identifying the influence of arbovirus infection in severe disease manifestations.


Subject(s)
Anemia, Sickle Cell , Arbovirus Infections , Arboviruses , Humans , Brazil/epidemiology , Anemia, Sickle Cell/epidemiology , Anemia, Sickle Cell/complications , Cross-Sectional Studies , Male , Female , Adult , Prevalence , Arbovirus Infections/epidemiology , Arbovirus Infections/virology , Young Adult , Adolescent , Arboviruses/isolation & purification , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Child , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Middle Aged , Dengue/epidemiology , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Dengue Virus/immunology , Zika Virus/immunology , Zika Virus/isolation & purification , Child, Preschool , Chikungunya Fever/epidemiology , Chikungunya Fever/complications
15.
BMC Pediatr ; 24(1): 286, 2024 Apr 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38685089

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the feeding characteristics and growth of children with prenatal exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV) from birth to 48 months. DESIGN: Using data from the prospective Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Pediatric Cohort (MERG-PC), children without microcephaly born to mothers with evidence of ZIKV infection during pregnancy (ZIKV-exposed children without microcephaly) and children with Zika-related microcephaly were compared using repeated cross-sectional analyses within the following age strata: birth; 1 to 12; 13 to 24; 25 to 36; and 37 to 48 months. The groups were compared in relation to prematurity, birth weight, breastfeeding, alternative feeding routes, dysphagia and anthropometric profiles based on the World Health Organization Anthro z-scores (weight-length/height, weight-age, length/height-age and BMI-age). RESULTS: The first assessment included 248 children, 77 (31.05%) with microcephaly and 171 (68.95%) without microcephaly. The final assessment was performed on 86 children. Prematurity was 2.35 times higher and low birth weight was 3.49 times higher in children with microcephaly. The frequency of breastfeeding was high (> 80%) in both groups. On discharge from the maternity hospital, the frequency of children requiring alternative feeding route in both groups was less than 5%. After 12 months of age, children with microcephaly required alternative feeding route more often than children without microcephaly. In children with microcephaly, the z-score of all growth indicators was lower than in children without microcephaly. CONCLUSIONS: Children with Zika-related microcephaly were more frequently premature and low birth weight and remained with nutritional parameters, i.e., weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height and length/height-for-age below those of the children without microcephaly.


Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , Microcephaly , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Microcephaly/epidemiology , Microcephaly/etiology , Microcephaly/virology , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Female , Pregnancy , Infant, Newborn , Infant , Male , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prospective Studies , Child Development , Brazil/epidemiology
16.
Rev Med Virol ; 34(3): e2535, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38610091

ABSTRACT

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) pose significant threats to global public health by causing a spectrum of diseases ranging from mild febrile illnesses to severe neurological complications. Understanding the intricate interplay between arboviruses and the immune system within the central nervous system is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat these infections and mitigate their neurological sequelae. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms by which arboviruses such as Zika virus, West Nile virus, and Dengue virus manipulate immune responses within the CNS, leading to diverse clinical manifestations.


Subject(s)
Dengue Virus , West Nile virus , Zika Virus Infection , Zika Virus , Humans , Central Nervous System , Immunity , Zika Virus Infection/complications
17.
Pediatr Res ; 96(1): 64-72, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38509227

ABSTRACT

Pregnant individuals with viral illness may experience significant morbidity and have higher rates of pregnancy and neonatal complications. With the growing number of viral infections and new viral pandemics, it is important to examine the effects of infection during pregnancy on both the gestational parent and the offspring. Febrile illness and inflammation during pregnancy are correlated with risk for autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and developmental delay in the offspring in human and animal models. Historical viral epidemics had limited follow-up of the offspring of affected pregnancies. Infants exposed to seasonal influenza and the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus experienced increased risks of congenital malformations and neuropsychiatric conditions. Zika virus exposure in utero can lead to a spectrum of abnormalities, ranging from severe microcephaly to neurodevelopmental delays which may appear later in childhood and in the absence of Zika-related birth defects. Vertical infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has occurred rarely, but there appears to be a risk for developmental delays in the infants with antenatal exposure. Determining how illness from infection during pregnancy and specific viral pathogens can affect pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes of offspring can better prepare the community to care for these children as they grow. IMPACT: Viral infections have impacted pregnant people and their offspring throughout history. Antenatal exposure to maternal fever and inflammation may increase risk of developmental and neurobehavioral disorders in infants and children. The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic stresses the importance of longitudinal studies to follow pregnancies and offspring neurodevelopment.


Subject(s)
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Virus Diseases , Humans , Pregnancy , Female , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology , Virus Diseases/complications , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/etiology , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/virology , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Animals , Child Development , Developmental Disabilities/etiology , Developmental Disabilities/epidemiology , Developmental Disabilities/virology , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Infant, Newborn , Infant , SARS-CoV-2
18.
Reproduction ; 167(5)2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38467105

ABSTRACT

In brief: Congenital ZIKV infection promotes alarming effects on male offspring's reproductive biology. This study showed the presence of the ZIKV antigen in the testis parenchyma, decreased testosterone levels, and sperm abnormalities in male offspring born to infected mothers. Abstract: Infection with ZIKV during pregnancy is associated with fetal developmental problems. Although neurological issues are being explored more in experimental studies, limited research has focused on the reproductive health consequences for offspring born to infected mothers. In this context, this study aimed to assess the impact of ZIKV infection during pregnancy on the testes and sperm of adult male offspring. Female mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with a Brazil strain of ZIKV during the 5.5th day of embryonic gestation. The offspring were evaluated 12 weeks after birth to analyze cellular and molecular changes in the testes and sperm. A novel approach combining variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and machine learning modeling was also introduced for sperm sample analysis. The study revealed the presence of ZIKV protein in the testis parenchyma of adult male offspring born to infected mothers. It was shown that the testes exhibited altered steroidogenesis and inflammatory mediators, in addition to significant issues with spermiogenesis that resulted in sperm with DNA fragmentation, head defects, and protamination failure. Additionally, sperm dielectric properties and artificial intelligence showed potential for rapid identification and classification of sperm samples from infected mice. These findings provide crucial insights into the reproductive risks for men born from ZIKV-infected pregnant women.


Subject(s)
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Zika Virus Infection , Zika Virus , Adult , Male , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Animals , Mice , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Artificial Intelligence , Semen , Biology
19.
Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis ; 1870(5): 167097, 2024 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38408544

ABSTRACT

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was first associated with Central Nervous System (CNS) infections in Brazil in 2015, correlated with an increased number of newborns with microcephaly, which ended up characterizing the Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Here, we investigated the impact of ZIKV infection on the functionality of iPSC-derived astrocytes. Besides, we extrapolated our findings to a Brazilian cohort of 136 CZS children and validated our results using a mouse model. Interestingly, ZIKV infection in neuroprogenitor cells compromises cell migration and causes apoptosis but does not interfere in astrocyte generation. Moreover, infected astrocytes lost their ability to uptake glutamate while expressing more glutamate transporters and secreted higher levels of IL-6. Besides, infected astrocytes secreted factors that impaired neuronal synaptogenesis. Since these biological endophenotypes were already related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we extrapolated these results to a cohort of children, now 6-7 years old, and found seven children with ASD diagnosis (5.14 %). Additionally, mice infected by ZIKV revealed autistic-like behaviors, with a significant increase of IL-6 mRNA levels in the brain. Considering these evidence, we inferred that ZIKV infection during pregnancy might lead to synaptogenesis impairment and neuroinflammation, which could increase the risk for ASD.


Subject(s)
Astrocytes , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Neuroinflammatory Diseases , Synapses , Zika Virus Infection , Zika Virus , Zika Virus Infection/pathology , Zika Virus Infection/metabolism , Zika Virus Infection/virology , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Autism Spectrum Disorder/virology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/metabolism , Autism Spectrum Disorder/etiology , Autism Spectrum Disorder/pathology , Humans , Animals , Mice , Zika Virus/physiology , Female , Child , Synapses/metabolism , Synapses/pathology , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/virology , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/metabolism , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/pathology , Neuroinflammatory Diseases/etiology , Astrocytes/virology , Astrocytes/metabolism , Astrocytes/pathology , Male , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Interleukin-6/genetics , Pregnancy , Risk Factors , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/virology , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Brazil/epidemiology , Disease Models, Animal , Neurogenesis
20.
Rev Med Virol ; 34(2): e2521, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38340071

ABSTRACT

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya outbreaks pose a significant public health risk to Pacific Island communities. Differential diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping clinical features and limited availability of laboratory diagnostic facilities. There is also insufficient information regarding the complications of these arboviruses, particularly for Zika and chikungunya. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the clinical manifestations of dengue, Zika and chikungunya in the Pacific Islands. Based on pooled prevalence estimates, clinical features that may help to differentiate between the arboviruses include headache, haemorrhage and hepatomegaly in dengue; rash, conjunctivitis and peripheral oedema in Zika; and the combination of fever and arthralgia in chikungunya infections. We estimated that the hospitalisation and mortality rates in dengue were 9.90% (95% CI 7.67-12.37) and 0.23% (95% CI 0.16-0.31), respectively. Severe forms of dengue occurred in 1.92% (95% CI 0.72-3.63) of reported cases and 23.23% (95% CI 13.58-34.53) of hospitalised patients. Complications associated with Zika virus included Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), estimated to occur in 14.08 (95% CI 11.71-16.66) per 10,000 reported cases, and congenital brain malformations such as microcephaly, particularly with first trimester maternal infection. For chikungunya, the hospitalisation rate was 2.57% (95% CI 1.30-4.25) and the risk of GBS was estimated at 1.70 (95% CI 1.06-2.48) per 10,000 reported cases. Whilst ongoing research is required, this systematic review enhances existing knowledge on the clinical manifestations of dengue, Zika and chikungunya infections and will assist Pacific Island clinicians during future arbovirus outbreaks.


Subject(s)
Chikungunya Fever , Dengue , Zika Virus Infection , Humans , Chikungunya Fever/epidemiology , Chikungunya Fever/complications , Chikungunya Fever/virology , Pacific Islands/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Zika Virus Infection/virology , Dengue/epidemiology , Dengue/virology , Dengue/complications , Prevalence , Zika Virus , Disease Outbreaks , Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data , Chikungunya virus
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