Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult
09:39

Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult

Published on: April 26, 2018

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Infectious causes of microcephaly: epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management

Delan Devakumar1, Alasdair Bamford2, Marcelo U Ferreira3

  • 1Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.

The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|August 29, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Microcephaly, a sign of neurological issues, can stem from various infections beyond Zika virus. Preventing all infectious causes and managing consequences are crucial global health priorities.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Microcephaly is a critical indicator of neurological malformation and a predictor of future disability.
  • The 2015-16 Zika virus outbreak highlighted the link between Zika infection and microcephaly.
  • Zika virus is one of several infectious agents capable of causing microcephaly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review major congenital infections causing microcephaly.
  • To detail the epidemiology, transmission, clinical features, pathogenesis, management, and long-term outcomes of these infections.
  • To address classification challenges and diagnostic issues in congenital infection-related microcephaly.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of congenital infections associated with microcephaly.
  • Synthesis of data on epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, and pathogenesis.
  • Analysis of current management strategies and long-term consequences.

Main Results:

  • Identified cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, rubella virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Zika virus as significant infectious causes of microcephaly.
  • Highlighted variability in occurrence contexts and potential for misdiagnosis.
  • Emphasized the substantial impairment caused by these infections.

Conclusions:

  • While Zika virus gained attention, numerous infectious agents cause microcephaly.
  • Effective prevention of all infectious causes and management of consequences are vital public health goals.
  • Accurate diagnosis and classification of microcephaly due to congenital infections require further attention.

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