Persistent Zika Virus Infection Associated with Early Fetal Demise: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy is a known teratogen.
• ZIKV infection has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including birth defects and potential pregnancy loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prolonged presence of ZIKV RNA in maternal serum and its detection in placental tissue.
• To explore the potential role of the placenta as a ZIKV reservoir in cases of fetal demise.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a pregnant woman in Puerto Rico infected with ZIKV at 16 weeks gestation.
• Serial serum sample analysis for ZIKV RNA detection from 16 weeks gestation until fetal demise at 24 weeks gestation.
• ZIKV RNA detection in placental tissue.

Main Results:

• ZIKV RNA was detected in maternal serum from 16 weeks gestation through 24 weeks gestation.
• Fetal demise occurred at 24 weeks gestation.
• ZIKV RNA was also detected in the placental tissue.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged maternal serum ZIKV RNA detection correlated with ZIKV RNA in the placenta.
• These findings support the hypothesis that the placenta may serve as a reservoir for ZIKV.
• The placenta's role as a reservoir may be associated with sustained ZIKV RNA detection in maternal serum.