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July 20, 2024 — Recent findings have shed light on the far-reaching consequences of maternal Zika virus infections, revealing significant long-term impacts on children’s immune systems. According to a study published in eBioMedicine, led by researchers from the Cleveland Clinic in the United States, maternal Zika infections can reprogram fetal immune development, leading to potential long-term immunological issues in children.
This revelation comes at a critical time as cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus emerge in India, raising concerns among health experts and the public alike. The study indicates that the impact on the immune system occurs even in children who do not display the physical characteristics typically associated with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS).
Congenital Zika syndrome is widely recognized by visible symptoms such as impaired skull or brain development. However, the researchers emphasized that there is “much more to this condition than meets the eye.” The study’s findings highlight that only 5% of children born to mothers who contracted the Zika virus during pregnancy exhibit physical or neurological disabilities and are diagnosed with CZS. The remaining 95%, who appear symptom-free at birth, may still experience long-term immune system repercussions.
Dr. Suan-Sin (Jolin) Foo from the Department of Infection Biology at Cleveland Clinic pointed out a critical gap in postnatal care. “Babies without visible symptoms are deemed healthy and hence do not receive any follow-up medical care or attention,” she said. This oversight could leave these children vulnerable to future health complications.
The research team’s international study commenced following a significant Zika virus outbreak in Brazil in 2015. By analyzing blood samples from newborns and two-year-old children whose mothers were infected during pregnancy, the team discovered highly elevated levels of inflammation, persisting even two years after the virus had been cleared.
Moreover, the study revealed that the affected children’s immune systems exhibited a preference for producing one type of T-cell over another. This imbalance altered their responses to childhood vaccines, increasing their susceptibility to infections such as diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DPT).
These findings underscore the need for expanded diagnostic criteria and further research to understand the full scope of Zika’s impact on fetal immune development. As the scientific community continues to unravel the complexities of this virus, there is a pressing need to reassess medical protocols and ensure comprehensive follow-up care for all children exposed to the Zika virus in utero.
Implications for India
With the recent rise in Zika virus cases in India, this study’s implications are particularly relevant. Health authorities may need to consider additional monitoring and care for children born to mothers who contracted the virus, even if the children do not initially exhibit symptoms of CZS.
The long-term health of these children could hinge on early detection and intervention, emphasizing the critical need for heightened awareness and proactive healthcare measures in regions affected by the Zika virus.
As research continues, it is essential for healthcare providers and policymakers to remain vigilant and informed about the potential hidden impacts of maternal Zika infections on future generations.
