Clinical and serological follow-up of mothers and their children diagnosed with previous Zika Virus infection

Abstract

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus belonging to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Congenital ZIKV infection has recently been recognized as an emerging disease in Brazil, becoming a major global public health concern. In addition to the mode of vector transmission, by species of the genus Aedes, there is intrauterine transmission, which occurs from pregnant to fetus during the gestational period. Laboratory confirmation of ZIKV infection during pregnancy is a major challenge mainly due to cross-reactivity with other arboviruses, the vast majority of infections being asymptomatic, and limited knowledge about the kinetics of anti-ZIKV antibody responses during and after pregnancy. In addition, the lack of symptoms in ZIKV infection during pregnancy does not necessarily imply protection against possible neurological complications, such as microcephaly, in addition to impaired development of the newborn, linked to hearing, ophthalmological and/or behavioral changes. Therefore, the objective of this project is to carry out the clinical and serological evaluation of mothers and neonates of a cohort, diagnosed with previous ZIKV infection, verifying the kinetics of vertical transmission of neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus and their interference with the Zika virus. course of infection / protection for accompanied babies. This study is based on the importance of monitoring children with asymptomatic mothers during pregnancy, but with the potential risk of developing any alteration during their development. In addition, this project is expected to provide useful information for maternal or postnatal immunization when a ZIKV vaccine is available.