Zika Virus Infection in Asymptomatic Pregnant Women

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to newborns.
• Asymptomatic maternal ZIKV infections complicate early detection and intervention.
• Understanding ZIKV prevalence and impact in pregnant populations is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect ZIKV in asymptomatic pregnant women in Veracruz, Mexico.
• To analyze the effects of ZIKV infection on newborns.
• To investigate ZIKV viremia duration and potential transmission risks.

Main Methods:

• Endpoint reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to test 114 blood samples from pregnant women.
• Participants were followed until childbirth to assess newborn outcomes.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify risk factors for adverse birth outcomes.

Main Results:

• ZIKV RNA was detected in 4.4% of pregnant women.
• One case of ZIKV persistence in serum for over 90 days post-delivery was observed.
• ZIKV was not found to be a significant independent risk factor for low birth weight, prematurity, or small size at birth, unlike preeclampsia/eclampsia.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates ongoing, potentially latent, ZIKV circulation in the region, emphasizing the need for continued epidemiological surveillance.
• Prolonged viremia observed in ZIKV-positive cases warrants further research into transmission dynamics and vector dissemination.
• Preeclampsia/eclampsia emerged as a significant risk factor for low birth weight in this cohort.