Prenatal Zika Virus Exposure Disrupts Social-Emotional Development and Cortical Visual Function in Infant Macaques
Karla K Ausderau1,2, Ben Boerigter1, Elaina R Razo3
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|July 15, 2025
Summary
Prenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure can disrupt infant neurobehavioral development and visual function, regardless of maternal immunity or viral factors. Early intervention is crucial for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Prenatal Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure leads to diverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants.
- Mechanisms linking maternal infection conditions to infant outcomes are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate longitudinal visual and auditory development in rhesus macaques from 1 to 12 months after prenatal ZIKV exposure.
- To characterize neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months in a translational macaque model.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus macaques with or without prior dengue virus (DENV) exposure were inoculated with ZIKV during the first trimester.
- Maternal viremia, viral RNA at the maternal-fetal interface, and antibody titers were monitored.
- Infant visual and auditory development, and neurobehavioral outcomes were assessed longitudinally and at 12 months.
Main Results:
- ZIKV-exposed infants showed altered maternal attachment and reduced inhibition towards stimuli.
- Prenatal ZIKV exposure impaired visual pathway function at 3 months, which normalized by 12 months.
- Hearing loss was more frequent in ZIKV-exposed infants, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal ZIKV exposure negatively impacts early neurobehavioral and visual development independently of maternal factors or viral characteristics.
- Findings emphasize the need for ZIKV prevention strategies and early developmental interventions for infants exposed prenatally.
