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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Arbovirus Infections As Screening Tools for the Identification of Viral Immunomodulators and Host Antiviral Factors
Published on: September 13, 2018
Microcephaly and arbovirus
Luis Del Carpio-Orantes1, María del Carmen González-Clemente
1Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Hospital General de Zona 71, Departamento de Medicina Interna. Veracruz, Veracruz, México neurona23@hotmail.com
Abstract:
In this paper the relationship between the incidence of microcephaly and various arboviruses in current boom is exposed. It stands out that in the infection by the dengue virus, there have been no cases of microcephaly, however in the case series of chikungunya infection, incidence of cases with this affectation was reported, highlighting a cohort called CHIMERE; also the highest incidence of microcephaly associated with the mentioned Zika virus, which has been widely studied. All this, due to the neurotropism of these arboviruses.
Insights
This study examines microcephaly incidence linked to arboviruses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. While dengue shows no association, chikungunya and Zika infections are linked to increased microcephaly cases due to neurotropism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Arboviruses are a growing public health concern, with potential neurological implications.
- Microcephaly, a serious birth defect, has been investigated for links to various infectious agents.
- Understanding the relationship between arboviruses and microcephaly is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between different arboviruses and the incidence of microcephaly.
- To compare the microcephaly rates across dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and case series on arbovirus infections and microcephaly.
- Analysis of incidence data from specific cohorts, such as the CHIMERE study for chikungunya.
- Evaluation of arbovirus neurotropism as a potential mechanism for microcephaly.
Main Results:
- No cases of microcephaly were reported in association with dengue virus infection.
- Chikungunya virus infection showed an incidence of microcephaly cases, notably in the CHIMERE cohort.
- Zika virus infection exhibited the highest incidence of microcephaly, consistent with extensive prior research.
Conclusions:
- Arboviruses exhibit varying degrees of association with microcephaly.
- The neurotropic nature of certain arboviruses, including Zika and chikungunya, likely contributes to microcephaly development.
- Further research into arbovirus neurotropism is warranted to understand and prevent microcephaly.
