Zika Virus-Related Birth Defects and Neurological Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) poses significant global health and economic challenges.
• Maternal ZIKV infection during pregnancy is linked to congenital anomalies and neurological issues in infants and adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze existing data on brain abnormalities in infants born to mothers infected with ZIKV during pregnancy.
• To identify specific brain defects and risk factors associated with ZIKV exposure in utero.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase up to November 2024.
• Included 14 studies involving 912 individuals, with critical appraisal using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
• Performed subgroup analyses based on maternal age, gestational age, ZIKV diagnosis timing, sample type, and birth weight.

Main Results:

• The overall incidence of birth defects with brain abnormalities was 1.94 (95% CI: 1.3-2.7).
• Common brain abnormalities included microcephaly (OR: 2.7), ventriculomegaly (OR: 1.7), and corpus callosal anomaly (OR: 1.8).
• Maternal age ≥30 years and ZIKV diagnosis ≥25 weeks gestation were significant factors in Zika-associated birth defects.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis confirms a high risk of brain defects in infants exposed to ZIKV in utero.
• Maternal age and gestational timing of ZIKV diagnosis are crucial factors that may modify the risk of these congenital abnormalities.