Hearing Loss in Infants with Microcephaly and Evidence of Congenital Zika Virus Infection - Brazil, November 2015-May
Insights
Congenital Zika virus infection can cause sensorineural hearing loss in infants. This study found a 5.8% prevalence of hearing loss in infants with microcephaly and Zika virus, highlighting the need for universal hearing screening.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Congenital Zika virus infection is linked to microcephaly and brain abnormalities.
- Hearing loss is a known complication of other congenital viral infections.
- The prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss in congenital Zika virus infection are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of hearing loss in infants with congenital Zika virus infection and microcephaly.
- To determine if hearing loss is a significant complication of congenital Zika virus infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective assessment of 70 infants (aged 0-10 months) with microcephaly and laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection.
- Infants underwent screening and diagnostic hearing tests.
- Data collected from November 2015 to May 2016 in Brazil.
Main Results:
- Five (7%) infants were diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss.
- All affected infants had severe microcephaly.
- Excluding one case potentially influenced by ototoxic antibiotics, the prevalence was 5.8% (4/69), similar to other congenital viral infections.
Conclusions:
- Sensorineural hearing loss is a potential complication of congenital Zika virus infection.
- The prevalence appears comparable to other congenital viral infections.
- Universal hearing testing is recommended for all infants exposed to Zika virus in utero, including those appearing normal at birth.
Abstract:
Congenital infection with Zika virus causes microcephaly and other brain abnormalities (1). Hearing loss associated with other congenital viral infections is well described; however, little is known about hearing loss in infants with congenital Zika virus infection. A retrospective assessment of a series of 70 infants aged 0-10 months with microcephaly and laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection was conducted by the Hospital Agamenon Magalhães in Brazil and partners. The infants were enrolled during November 2015-May 2016 and had screening and diagnostic hearing tests. Five (7%) infants had sensorineural hearing loss, all of whom had severe microcephaly; however, one child was tested after receiving treatment with an ototoxic antibiotic. If this child is excluded, the prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss was 5.8% (four of 69), which is similar to that seen in association with other congenital viral infections. Additional information is needed to understand the prevalence and spectrum of hearing loss in children with congenital Zika virus infection; all infants born to women with evidence of Zika virus infection during pregnancy should have their hearing tested, including infants who appear normal at birth.
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