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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult
Published on: April 26, 2018
Cortical auditory response and language development in children with microcephaly by Zika virus
Ana Cláudia Figueiredo Frizzo1, Kelly Cristina Lira de Andrade2, Isabela Tiezi Rombola3
1Universidade Estadual de São Paulo (UNESP), Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências, Department of Speech Therapy and Postgraduate Program in Speech Therapy, Marilia, SP, Brazil.
Children with microcephaly from Zika virus infection show impaired auditory cortical responses and language development. This suggests an atypical development of the auditory and linguistic system in affected infants.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Audiology
Background:
- Microcephaly resulting from maternal Zika virus infection presents significant developmental challenges.
- Understanding the impact on auditory and linguistic development is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess auditory and linguistic development in children with Zika-related microcephaly.
- To investigate the influence of microcephaly on auditory cortical responses and language acquisition.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study in Brazil involving 20 children with and without Zika-related microcephaly.
- Auditory cortical responses were measured using speech sounds; language development was assessed with the Early Language Milestone Scale.
- Statistical analyses included ANCOVA and Pearson's correlation; Smart tools EP software analyzed electrical responses.
Main Results:
- Children with microcephaly exhibited prolonged N1-P2 latency and increased N1 amplitude in cortical responses.
- Significant language development impairments were observed in children with microcephaly.
- Abnormalities in auditory pathway neurotransmission related to frequency information were detected using Smart tools.
Conclusions:
- Children with microcephaly due to Zika virus display atypical auditory and linguistic system development.
- Findings highlight the neurological impact of Zika virus on auditory processing and language acquisition.
