The Effects of Zika Virus Infection on Fetal Brain and Nervous System Development during Pregnancy
CHEN Jia-wen
REN Tai
NI Yun-xiang
DING Zhi-de
Abstract：In recent years, the Zika virus outbreak is ongoing in South-America, followed by increasing morbidity of neurological disorders, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and congenital microcephaly. By the end of March, 2016, thirty-three countries in America were involved, with suspected cases over 190 000. Besides, imported cases have also been reported in Europe and Asia. The correlation between Zika virus infection during the pregnancy and fetal neurogenesis defects raises global severe concern immediately. The potential mechanism can be divided into two pathways:①The blood-placenta barrier may be penetrated by Zika virus and the virus has a characteristic of neurotropism. Subsequently Zika virus can impair neurogenesis directly. ②Zika virus might disrupt fetal neurogenesis indirectly by other mediators, such as fetal inflammatory cytokines or antibodies in cross-immune response. Although the precise mechanism has not been completely elucidated yet, to review the effects of Zika virus infection in pregnancy on fetal neurogenesis promptly as well as the prevention and control of Zika virus outbreak in our country will have both critical clinical and long-term social significances.
Keywords：MicrocephalyPregnant womenFetusFetal developmentGuillain-Barre SyndromeFlavivirusZika virus
Publication Date：2016-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 274-278 )