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Is Zika Virus an Emerging TORCH Agent? An Invited Commentary
1Department of Radiology, Shohada Tajrish Hospital, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Virology : Research and Treatment
|June 6, 2017
Summary
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection can cause congenital microcephaly. Prenatal ZIKV exposure exhibits TORCH agent characteristics, necessitating early detection via fetal ultrasound for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV), a Flaviviridae family arbovirus, caused epidemics with limited public health impact until 2015.
- A significant rise in congenital microcephaly in Brazil was linked to prenatal ZIKV infection.
- ZIKV shares characteristics with TORCH agents: mild maternal illness, vertical transmission, fetal anomalies, and poor prognosis despite therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Zika virus as an emerging TORCH agent.
- To highlight the threat of prenatal ZIKV infection to public health.
- To evaluate fetal ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for congenital Zika syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and epidemiological data analysis.
- Comparison of ZIKV characteristics with TORCH agents.
- Assessment of fetal ultrasound's utility in detecting congenital Zika syndrome.
Main Results:
- Prenatal ZIKV infection presents characteristics consistent with TORCH agents.
- ZIKV poses a serious public health threat due to potential fetal anomalies.
- Fetal ultrasound is a viable, accessible tool for in utero detection of congenital Zika syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Zika virus should be recognized as an emerging TORCH agent.
- Prenatal ZIKV infection poses significant risks to fetal development.
- Fetal ultrasound aids in early detection and management of congenital Zika syndrome.
