@article{TP153963,
author = {Anan Aljahdali and Taif Alenzi and Waad Alammari and Ajwan Alshumrani and Abdullah Awaji and Maha Alotaibi and Rawan Alanazi and Tala Mozayan and Faten Alotaibi and Ahmad Almnaizel and Thamir Al-khlaiwi},
title = {Maternal-fetal transmission of Zika virus and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children: a narrative review},
journal = {Translational Pediatrics},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
year = {2026},
keywords = {},
abstract = {Background and Objective: The Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus transmitted through mosquito bites, presents significant global health challenges due to its potential to cause severe congenital malformations, particularly neurological disorders. It is imperative to comprehend the transmission pathways and the long- term impact of ZIKV on children’s neurodevelopment. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on maternal-fetal transmission of ZIKV and its neurodevelopmental consequences in offspring.Methods: A narrative review with systematic elements was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science [2015–2024]. Relevant studies on ZIKV vertical transmission and neurodevelopmental outcomes were screened, with independent data extraction and quality assessment performed by multiple reviewers.Key Content and Findings: Twenty-one studies with diverse designs met the inclusion criteria. The research suggests that human decidual cells facilitate the transmission of ZIKV, a virus specific to the fetus, primarily infecting the fetus during the first trimester via the placenta. Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) was prevalent, characterized by ocular and joint abnormalities, cerebral atrophy, and microcephaly. Children born without microcephaly also exhibited impaired cognitive, motor, and linguistic development later in life. Other neurological manifestations included Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalitis, and seizures.Conclusions: Maternal-fetal transmission of ZIKV, particularly during the early stages of pregnancy, results in various long-term neurodevelopmental abnormalities in children. Enhancing outcomes necessitates multimodal therapies, early detection, and routine neurodevelopmental follow-up. Further research is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and improve prevention strategies.},
issn = {2224-4344}, url = {https://tp.amegroups.org/article/view/153963}
}