Zika Virus

Although generally asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic in the general population, infection with the Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy may lead to severely adverse fetal and infant outcomes, including the congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Characteristics of this syndrome that are unique to it or are not typically observed with other congenital infections comprise anomalies of the brain and cranial morphology, ocular anomalies, congenital contractures, and neurological sequelae. The full spectrum of outcomes of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of ZIKV appears to be large, ranging from asymptomatic infection at birth, with possible later manifestation of significant abnormalities, to obvious and severe abnormalities in the fetus and infant. Although our understanding of pathogenesis, rates, and manifestations of CZS has improved rapidly and dramatically, much remains unknown or poorly understood regarding this potentially devastating congenital infection. Because of this, a broad research agenda regarding ZIKV is being implemented.