Zika virus-induced brain malformations in chicken embryos
Gabriela Elis Wachholz1,2,3, Ana Paula Muterle Varela4, Thais Fumaco Teixeira5
1Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Birth Defects Research
|October 3, 2020
Summary
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in chicken embryos causes significant mortality and central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. These effects, including brain malformations, become most apparent four days post-infection.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Virology
- Teratology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is linked to microcephaly, but its precise effects on embryonic development require further elucidation.
- Understanding the timing and nature of ZIKV-induced embryonic morphological changes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ZIKV-induced morphological alterations in developing chicken embryos.
- To establish a model for studying ZIKV's impact on embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Chicken embryos at Hamburger-Hamilton (HH) Stage 10-12 (embryonic day 1.5) were exposed to varying doses of ZIKV.
- Morphological changes were monitored for five days post-infection (dpi).
- Viral load was quantified at peak observation points.
Main Results:
- ZIKV-infected embryos exhibited increased mortality and significant brain malformations compared to controls.
- Phenotypic alterations were dose-dependent.
- Observed abnormalities intensified by 4 dpi, coinciding with peak viral load.
Conclusions:
- ZIKV exposure leads to a high prevalence of mortality and central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities in chicken embryos.
- The severity of ZIKV-induced phenotypes is dose-dependent and becomes pronounced around 4 dpi.
- Chicken embryos serve as a viable model for studying ZIKV's teratogenic effects.
Keywords:
birdbirth defectscell culturecongenital ZIKV syndromeembryo manipulationencephalonreduction
