Pregnancy Associated SARS-CoV-2 and Zika Infectious Conditions – Recent Data and Outcomes

Abstract

The effects of SARS-CoV-2 and Zika viruses (ZIKV) on pregnant women are undeniable a health emergency. Both viruses have a general impact on the medical system and are an ongoing challenge requiring intense action considering the arising problems generated in the socio-economical system. This paper aims to present an insight into how the Zika virus and SARS-CoV- 2 virus affect maternal and fetal outcomes and it includes a summary of the literature using the PubMed database with a selection of studies from 2016 to 2022. Regarding ZIKV infection during pregnancy and the neonatal outcomes, the evidence shows that congenital Zika syndrome encompasses several malformations mainly in the neurological and visual systems, although the syndrome can affect other organ systems. ZIKV infection is also associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes, including fetal loss. Based on our findings, SARS-CoV2 infection has fewer maternal-fetal complications compared to Zika virus but the number of pregnancies affected by COVID-19 is higher compared to ZKIV. The current data are essential for understanding the disease profile but further studies should focus on analyzing the development of accurate diagnostic tests for both viruses. Nevertheless, further prospective studies with a large number of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are needed in order to identify a possible disease pattern in infants related to this virus.