Prevalence of Guillain-Barré syndrome among Zika virus infected cases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emergent flavivirus transmitted mainly through Aedes spp. mosquitoes that is posing challenge to healthcare services in countries experiencing an outbreak. Usually ZIKV infection is mild, but in some cases it has been reported to progress into neurological diseases such as microcephaly in infants and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in adults. GBS is a debilitating autoimmune disorder that affects peripheral nerves. Since ZIKV caused massive outbreaks in South America in the past few years, we aimed to systematically review the literature and perform a meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of GBS among ZIKV-infected individuals. We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases and selected three studies for a meta-analysis. We estimated the prevalence of ZIKV-associated GBS to be 1.23% (95% CI=1.17-1.29%). Limitations include paucity of data regarding previous flavivirus infections and ZIKV-infection confirmation issues. Our estimate seems to be low, but cannot be ignored, since ZIKV outbreaks affects an overwhelming number of individuals and GBS is a life-threatening debilitating condition, especially in pregnant women. ZIKV infection cases must be closely followed to assure prompt care to reduce the impact of GBS associated-sequelae on the quality of life of those affected.

Zika virus during pregnancy: From maternal exposure to congenital Zika virus syndrome

“…[34][35][36] Rare severe neurological complications might occur, particularly Guillain-Barré syndrome, which may be a life-threatening condition in pregnant women (prevalence of 1.23% (95% CI, 1.17%-1.29%) in general infected-population). 37,38 However, pregnancy is not associated with more frequent or more severe maternal complications. 32 The presence and the severity of maternal symptoms are not associated with a higher risk of birth defects or fetal loss.…”

Antiviral effect of the seaweed Osmundaria obtusiloba against the Zika virus

“…However, few studies have been undertaken for other arboviruses that have results as significant as those on Dengue. ZIKA was focused on, which has been associated with severe syndromes (Alvarado-Socarras et al, 2018; Barbi et al, 2018).…”

Zika Vaccine Development: Current Status

“…21 Zika virus has also been linked to an increased incidence of a potentially lifethreatening GBS (an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system) in adults, as well as other neurologic abnormalities. 22 Guillain-Barré syndrome occurs at a frequency of 1.1 to 1.8 cases per 100,000 people per year and occurs predominantly in older adults. 23 Since the beginning of the ZIKV epidemic in French Polynesia in 2013, the incidence of ZIKV-associated GBS has increased by 20-fold, 24 with 42 patients diagnosed with Zika-associated GBS between November 2013 and February 2014.…”