Management of Zika virus in pregnancy: a review

Abstract

Introduction/background: Since 2015, an epidemic of Zika virus spread across the Americas. This coincided with an increased incidence of microcephaly reported at birth in Brazil, with subsequent evidence of a causal association.

Sources of data: Systemic reviews, observational studies, public health organizations.

Areas of agreement: Zika virus causes microcephaly and brain abnormalities in infants born to mothers infected during or shortly before pregnancy. Zika virus is a trigger for Guillain Barre Syndrome. Whilst mosquito bite is the main route of transmission, sexual transmission is another confirmed route.

Areas of controversy: Uncertainty remains regarding the proportion of Zika-infected pregnancies that will give rise to a significantly affected infant.

Growing points: The development of a vaccine remains a priority whilst public health efforts continue to educate at risk populations on reducing transmission.

Areas timely for developing research: Follow-up studies of affected infants are vital to inform on prognosis and guide screening programmes of the future.

Keywords: Zika virus; microcephaly; pregnancy.