Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology ›› 2016, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (3): 274-278.

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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   

  1. Department of Clinical Medicine,Grade 2012,8 years program(CHEN Jia-wen,REN Tai),Department of Anatomy,Histology and Embryology(DING Zhi-de),School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University,Shanghai 200025,China;Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics,Tong Ren Hospital,School of Medical,Shanghai Jiao Tong University,Shanghai 200336,China(NI Yun-xiang)
  • Received:1900-01-01 Revised:1900-01-01 Published:2016-06-22 Online:2016-06-22
  • Contact: NI Yun-xiang

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.

Key words: Microcephaly, Pregnant women, Fetus, Fetal development, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Flavivirus, Microcephaly, Pregnant women, Fetus, Fetal development, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Flavivirus, Zika virus