Abstract
Postmortem examination of 7 neonates with congenital Zika virus infection in Brazil revealed microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, dystrophic calcifications, and severe cortical neuronal depletion in all and arthrogryposis in 6. Other findings were leptomeningeal and brain parenchymal inflammation and pulmonary hypoplasia and lymphocytic infiltration in liver and lungs. Findings confirmed virus neurotropism and multiple organ infection.
Highlights
Postmortem examination of 7 neonates with congenital Zika virus infection in Brazil revealed microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, dystrophic calcifications, and severe cortical neuronal depletion in all and arthrogryposis in 6
Of the 7 Zika virus–infected neonates examined, 6 did not show intrauterine growth restriction, but all 7 had remarkably decreased brain weight, emphasizing the neurotropism of Zika virus. These findings are similar to those earlier reported for congenital Zika virus infection [3,4,5,6,7]
An animal model of congenital Zika virus infection with similar neuropathologic damage was associated with striking global growth retardation [12]
Summary
Postmortem examination of 7 neonates with congenital Zika virus infection in Brazil revealed microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, dystrophic calcifications, and severe cortical neuronal depletion in all and arthrogryposis in 6. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) of cerebrospinal fluid and tissue, performed at the Central Public Health Laboratory (Ceará), confirmed congenital Zika virus infection [8] (Table). Brain weight was decreased in all neonates; body weight was within reference range for gestational age in all except neonate 6 (online Technical Appendix). Results of tests for Zika virus in CSF and organs and for dengue virus in brain and CSF for 7 neonates who died of congenital
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
