Editorial brain malformation surveillance in the Zika era
1The Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Birth Defects Research. Part A, Clinical and Molecular Teratology
|November 29, 2016
Summary
Current Zika virus (ZIKV) surveillance for microcephaly is insufficient, missing many infants with ZIKV-related brain defects. Enhanced public health systems are needed to detect diverse congenital brain malformations and their delayed symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital microcephaly surveillance is crucial for monitoring Zika virus (ZIKV) impact and prevention.
- Current systems are inadequate as they fail to identify infants with normal head circumference but ZIKV-induced brain abnormalities.
Discussion:
- ZIKV exposure can cause neuronal differentiation, development, and migration issues, leading to subtle or delayed neurological deficits.
- Many affected infants present later in life with seizures, epilepsy, developmental delays, or motor impairments, often without initial microcephaly.
Key Insights:
- Congenital microcephaly surveillance alone misses significant ZIKV-related neurodevelopmental impacts.
- Delayed clinical manifestations in infants with normal head circumference highlight surveillance gaps.
Outlook:
- Public health surveillance must be expanded to include a broader spectrum of congenital brain malformations.
- Enhanced systems should integrate diagnostic brain imaging findings and diverse clinical presentations for comprehensive ZIKV monitoring.
