A review of Zika virus infections in pregnancy and implications for antenatal care in Singapore

Abstract

Given the consensus that there is a causal relationship between Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnancy and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), clinicians must be prepared to manage affected patients despite the numerous gaps in current knowledge. The clinical course in pregnancy appears similar to that in non-pregnant women, although viraemia may be prolonged. ZIKV infection can be diagnosed by serum and urine reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, but commercially available serological tests are currently unreliable in dengue-endemic regions. Although vertical transmission can occur at any time during gestation, first-and second-trimester infections have the highest risk of developing central nervous system anomalies. Aberrant fetal growth and pregnancy loss may also occur. Serial ultrasonography should be conducted for infected cases. Without a vaccine, pregnant women should be advised to minimise mosquito bites and reduce sexual transmission risk. Overall, the absolute risk of CZS arising amid a ZIKV outbreak appears relatively low.

Radiological findings in fetuses after zika infection

“…The imaging prenatal findings by Vouga [6]; e) In the binomial mother-child there are findings of placental inflammation and placental insufficiency at the Dopplerfluxometry study, presence of oligohydramnios/anhidramnios and Intrauterine growth restriction, with impact in fetal growth and viability [7]. And due to immobility, it can be seen arthrogryposis and club feet [5,7,8]. After the birth the post-natal findings correlates and are equivalent with prenatal ones [7], the radiological monitoring of exposed women should be conducted with basic Ultrasound monitoring evaluating: biometry of head, notice if there are any abnormal gyral patterns, intracranial calcification, cataract or microphthalmia [2].…”

How does the ZIKA infection is higher among black women?

“…The Zika virus infection became extremely visible during its epidemic in 2015 at South America, after the outbreak many speculations related to its etiology and the higher incidence of microcephaly and neonatal malformation made it an international concern and emergency [1,2]. This article is available at: www.intarchmed.com and www.medbrary.com…”

Zika Virus Knowledge: A Study of Pregnant Women Attending the Antenatal Clinic at a Local Health Center in Trinidad and Tobago

“…The WHO has highlighted public education about the preventative measures and potential complications associated with the ZIKV, as a principal factor in the fight against this virus (Mohammad, Mohammed, Fahad, Muhammed, Akram, Akshaya, & Shazia, 2017). These preventative measures, such as vector control, and personal preventative measures such as avoiding mosquito bite; the use of mosquito nets; avoiding sexual intercourse with infected persons and pregnant women avoiding visits to areas where the epidemic is present are integral to the prevention and spread of the ZIKV (Lin, Tambyah, Yong, Biswas, & Chan, 2017).…”