[Teratogenic effect of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus: a review of the problem]

Clinical findings on Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus infection and the teratogenic effects of several Togaviruses are described. Similarities between the intrauterine alterations induced by Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus and rubella virus are pointed out. Findings described by Wenger in 1967 were those of massive cerebral necrosis in fetuses of women presumably suffering of encephalitis and they are commented along with the development of an animal experimental model at the end of 1970-1980. Pathogenesis of the intrauterine infection seemed to be related to changes in the placental vessels, vascular changes in the central nervous system were also described in rats surviving Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis experimental infection; similar changes were described in the brain of children with post rubella syndrome. The need for multidisciplinary studies in the endemic areas of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis in order to detect sequelae of the viral effects in utero is emphasized. Finally, some experimental animal models are proposed to examine diverse aspects on intrauterine effect of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus.