A Scoping Review of Genetic Risk Factors Possibly Impacting Virally Induced Brain Injury After Zika Infection

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Prenatal exposure to Zika virus can cause brain injury.
• Individual and maternal factors, including genetics, influence injury severity.
• Dizygotic twins can exhibit varying outcomes despite similar in utero environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review genetic susceptibility to neurological outcomes in children exposed to Zika virus in utero.
• To analyze existing data on the relationship between genetic factors and Zika virus-induced prenatal brain injury.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review following JBI methodology.
• Extensive database searches across multiple scientific disciplines.
• Independent screening of studies by three reviewers using Rayyan software.
• Inclusion of studies focusing on gene mutations impacting brain injury post-Zika infection.

Main Results:

• Thirteen articles were reviewed, identifying candidate genes associated with brain injury.
• Twenty-three genes were implicated in modulating susceptibility to prenatal brain injury.
• Six maternal and 17 infant genes were identified as potentially contributing factors.

Conclusions:

• Maternal and fetal genetic factors play a role in susceptibility to virally induced prenatal brain injury.
• Polygenic risk analysis could enhance screening programs for at-risk individuals.
• Integrating genetic information into clinical data may personalize care and improve outcomes for affected children.