This study aims to report a case of Zika virus infection in a pregnant woman living in the city of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, describing the epidemiological characteristics related to the person, the time, and the clinical aspects of the pregnancy. The case of a 23-year-old pregnant woman living in the eastern part of the city. In the eighth gestational week, she sought care at the Emergency Care Service because she had fever, itchy rash, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headache, retro orbital pain, and myalgia. The urine and serology were collected for laboratory examination at the Tropical Medicine Foundation, so that Zika virus infection was confirmed. The neonate was born at 37 weeks with a head circumference of 29 cm and underwent transfontanellar ultrasound, presenting ultrasound signs suggestive of microcephaly and presence of hydrocephalus. The succession of severe congenital anomalies related to Zika infection in pregnancy has a significant impact on families, especially those already facing economic difficulties, thus justifying this case report.
microcephaly, zika virus, pregnancy, newborn
During pregnancy, women go through physiological and psychosocial changes considered normal at this phase; on average one in five women have symptoms of distress. Having to face a disease prone to cause congenital abnormalities in the fetus or newborn further increases the psychological stress of pregnant women. The multidisciplinary team must ensure the physical and psychological well-being of these pregnant women throughout pregnancy [1].
News disseminated in national and international media in 2015 generated social unrest, mobilization of the scientific community, declaration of a national public health emergency by the Ministry of Health, and public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization [2].
This was the hypothesis formulated by neuropediatrician of public hospitals in the city of Recife. They reported a 20-fold increase in cases of congenital microcephaly associated with brain abnormalities related to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy, considering the spatio-temporal correlation and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of the two pathologies [3].
As part of the research in Brazil, reported findings in two pregnant women from Paraíba, a state affected by the ZIKV epidemic, representing the first evidence consistent with intrauterine transmission [4].
The clinical manifestations of the disease in pregnant women are similar to those in adult individuals. One study reports low fever, maculopapular rash with or without pruritus as the most frequent symptom followed by conjunctivitis, myalgia/arthralgia, lymphadenopathy, headache, others [5]. The symptoms regress after three to seven days. In 80% of cases, ZIKV infection can be asymptomatic [2,6,7].
During an outbreak beginning in October 2013 in French Polynesia, South Pacific, was described in their clinical and laboratory studies evidence of the virus in the serum of two newborns of two mothers with confirmed diagnosis of Zika virus using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique (RT-PCR) [8].
The virus crosses the placental barrier during the period of pregnancy or at birth, causing congenital infection. The virus was detected in the amniotic fluid, placenta and fetal tissues [7,9]. Regarding the importance of the risk of vertical transmission, the author recommended the separate analysis after maternal Zika infection; the infection rate of the fetoplacental unit; and if infection occurs, the rate of fetal sequelae [5].
Neurotropism of ZIKV is supported by research on fetal necropsy with viral isolation by RT-PCR in brain tissues, suggesting that the insult occurred in the early stage of embryogenesis [6,10].
Inadequate brain development leads to congenital malformations triggered by a number of factors of different causes such as exposure to chemicals, pathogens and radiation. One of these conditions is microcephaly, defined as head circumference (HC) values below the pattern of growth curves at birth, which may or may not be associated with central nervous system (CNS) impairment and cognitive impairment. Neuroimaging and laboratory tests facilitate the investigation of congenital anomalies [3].
The Ministry of Health is in accordance with the World Health Organization on recommendations for parameters for determining microcephaly levels [11], namely:
•Microcephaly: Newborns with head circumference less than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean for gestational age and sex.
•Severe microcephaly: Newborns with head circumference of less than 3 standard deviations for gestational age and sex.
The April 2017 Epidemiological Bulletin of the Ministry of Health showed data on daily reported cases of microcephaly related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy in the country, making a total of 2,653 confirmed cases in the period 2015-2017, with effects on child growth and development [11]. According the other study of the 3,374 confirmed cases of congenital Zika syndrome in American countries, 82% occurred in Brazil [3].
Early identification of congenital Zika syndrome during prenatal care may favor successful care actions by health professionals, as well as collaborate with individual and collective measures aimed at appropriate preparation and guidance of pregnant women and their families for the birth of a syndromic newborn[1,7].
Zika virus infection is declining in some countries, but continues to advance geographically in regions with competent vectors, so that recommendations on strict surveillance are still valid [12]. Since 2013, more than 30 countries have reported cases of congenital malformations of the central nervous system associated with ZIKV infection [13]. The present case report is justified by the impact of the epidemic on the population whose extent involves the death of the affected people, especially those with associated neurological diseases.
The succession of severe congenital anomalies related to ZIKV infection in pregnancy, especially when contracted in the first trimester of pregnancy, has a significant impact on families, especially those already facing economic hardship [14].
The following scenario was defined as the objective of this study: To report the case of ZIKV infection in a pregnant woman who lives in the city of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil (Brazilian Amazon), describing the epidemiological characteristics related to the person, time and clinical aspects of the pregnancy.
The largest rainforest in the world is found in the state of Amazonas. Its biodiversity is high and derived from geological and climatic transformations, presenting about 90% of its area preserved. Combining its ecological potential with a business policy based on sustainability, Manaus became the 6th richest city in the country when evaluated according to the municipal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) [15].
The data of this case report were collected from the Department of Environmental and Epidemiological Surveillance of the Strategic Health Surveillance Information Center (CIEVS) of the Municipal Health Secretariat (SEMSA), Manaus city/Amazonas, Brazil. The case of one pregnant woman with ZIKV infection notified and whose diagnosis was confirmed by clinical and laboratory examination in 2016 was selected for the study.
Data were collected after obtaining a favorable opinion from the Research Ethics Committee of the Amazonas State University (CEP-UEA) and letters of authorization from SEMSA and CIEVC. The data collected were systematized in an electronic folder in Google Drive.
23-year-old pregnant woman, brown skinned, in stable union, housewife, incomplete elementary school, family income less than 1 minimum wage, resident in the eastern part of the city, did not travel during the gestational period.
Regarding obstetric history, the following information was registered in the medical record: Gestations 05, cesarean sections 02, abortions 02; no kinship with the mate; absence of congenital malformation; she is not aware of cases of microcephaly in the family; denies continuous drug use; did not undergo any treatment for sexually transmitted infections; she was treated during pregnancy for anemia, from May 19 on started the use of iron and folic acid.
During pregnancy, she had no contact with pesticides, agro-toxins, chemicals and X-rays. Date of last menstruation 10/02/2016, with probable date of birth 17/11/2016. Her first and only consultation at the Basic Health Unit (BHU) was on 19/05/2016, the next day she went to the BHU to be vaccinated, receive the DT vaccine, did not attend the other consultations, SIC, "there was never vacancy". She denies the use of illicit drugs, smoking and alcohol.
On the eighth week, the first trimester of pregnancy, she was admitted to a SPA, diagnosed with dehydration. She presented the following signs and symptoms: fever, itchy rash, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headache, retro-orbital pain, and myalgia, and used painkillers for five days under medical advice.
She was referred to Tropical Medicine Foundation of Manaus/Amazonas, Brazil (FMTM) which screens suspected cases of ZIKV infection. Notification on 13/04/2016 and collection of material for examination of serology and urine. The examination was made by real time RT-PCR. Symptom onset on April 8, collection of material after 5 of symptom onset. Results of the examination 42 days after collection, and thus 47 days passed between symptom onset and the release of the results of the serology and urine examination: both detectable (positive).
She was assisted during delivery by the multi professional team at the public maternity hospital in the east of the city. The newborn was born on 12/10/2016, through cesarean section, it was female, 37 weeks, with the following measurements recorded in the child's book: Weight: 2240 kg, height: 45 cm, HC: 29 cm (severe microcephaly), APGAR 07/08.
During pregnancy, she underwent 4 ultrasounds (US) (three obstetric and one morphological), Table 1, all without medical request, with the results (Table 1).
Table 1. Imaging exams performed during pregnancy
Imaging Tests |
Request |
Obstetric ultrasound |
Date |
Diagnostic Hypothesis |
04/04/2016
US 6-12 weeks |
Closed endocervical canal.
Free bottom Douglas bag.
Single 10-week (+/- 3 days) topical pregnancy |
13/05/2016
US over 12 weeks |
Single 15.5-week (+/- 1.0 week) topical pregnancy |
12/10/2016
US over 12 weeks |
Biometrics compatible with topical gestation of 30 weeks.
Manual biometrics matches the previous exams.
We may be dealing with asymmetrical growth restriction of the fetus. |
Request |
Fetal morphological examination |
12/10/2016
Private clinic |
Morphological examination without echographic alterations.
NOTE: Trivascular umbilical cord. |
At the maternity ward, the following examinations, procedures and referrals were performed:
Tests: neonatal response to heel prick; eye test - retinopathy test, results show no alterations; hearing screening, results show alterations and suggestion to review after 15 days; heart test, results show no alterations; tongue test shows no alterations; trans fontanelle USG on the fourth day of life (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Trans fontanelle USG image and report. (a) Clinical report: brain parenchyma showing areas of calcification. Brain ventricles showing dilation. No signs of intra parenchymal hemorrhage. Presence of hydrocephalus. Conclusion: Ultrasound signs suggestive of microcephaly and presence of hydrocephalus; (b) Trans fontanelle USG image; (c) Trans fontanelle USG image; (d) Trans fontanelle USG image
Procedures: Notification; vaccination - BCG and Hepatitis B; guidance and stimulation of breastfeeding.
Similar sociodemographic characteristics were observed in the US Virgin Islands [16] and in the state of Mato Grosso, Midwest Brazil [17], with pregnant women infected with Zika virus. The pregnant women most affected by the disease are poor, with low schooling, living in areas of the city with inadequate environmental management, and often lack of health facilities. Their homes become suitable places for breeding disease-carrying insects such as Aedes aegypti.
The city of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, has 26.3% of the urban households of its territory on public roads with adequate urbanization (presence of manholes, sidewalks, paved streets and curbs), and over 70% of the population lives in neighborhoods without proper environmental management [18].
The pregnant woman did not attend prenatal care consultations. The assistance of the multiprofessional team during prenatal care aims to identify early health problems of the mother and child. Professionals should act to prevent or minimize the probable risk factors that may determine an unfavorable outcome to the pregnancy cycle and contribute to the physical and mental well-being of the mother/child binomial [19].
The most frequently reported signs and symptoms are mild fever, rash, pruritus, headache, arthralgia, myalgia, non-purulent conjunctivitis, and vomiting. A comparison with our research showed similarity in relation to the reported signs and symptoms. There is no treatment and vaccine for Zika; symptomatic relief is the only recommendation of the Ministry of Health. The patient used painkillers under medical guidance [20].
Zika virus infection is a disease of compulsory notification and is on the National List of Diseases, Health Problems and Public Health Events of Compulsory Notification. Zika virus infection was included in this list by the Ordinance nº 204 of February 17, 2016, of the Ministry of Health, because of the impact that it can have on the health of women, the fetus and the family [2].
Vector transmission is the main means of dissemination, but the disease can be transmitted through condomless sex, blood transfusion, and from mother to fetus. Pregnant women can be exposed and infected with the virus at any trimester of pregnancy, transmitting it to the fetus [21].
Examination using serum is recommended within 5 days after the onset of symptoms because viremia is limited and the decrease in viral load in the maternal blood is rapid after the onset of rash. Zika virus RNA can be screened and detected in the urine within a longer period, 20 days from the onset of symptoms. Virus detected in saliva, breast milk, semen and cervical and uterine secretions, and amniotic and cerebrospinal fluids [22].
The results of the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in serum and urine material collected on the fifth day after the onset of signs and symptoms were noted in the patient's medical record, staying within the time recommended in the literature, with positive result: detectable.
Diagnostic-specific laboratory tests such as RT-PCR detect viral particles and suggest that the pregnant woman had contact with the virus, but it does not unequivocally indicate that the fetus was infected or will present congenital abnormalities associated with the disease [23]. Ultrasound evidence of birth defects associated with ZIKV infection is a way to try to prevent probable complications to the fetus [24].
To provide results of laboratory examination to detect Zika virus infection, was recommended basal fetal ultrasound [25]. If there is ultrasound evidence of fetus with congenital Zika syndrome, the case must be referred to a fetal medicine service and/or to High Risk Prenatal Care (HRPC). If ultrasound results do not show any abnormality, the pregnant woman should be followed in HRPC, following the guidelines of the Ministry of Health [19]. This follow-up did not occur in the case analyzed, because the patient did not attend prenatal care consultations.
Microcephaly may point to the tip of an iceberg of consequences related to ZIKV infection in pregnancy. Congenital malformations are now called congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and encompass a number of neurological, eye, skeletal, genitourinary changes among others [26].
The risk of fetal congenital abnormalities exists, since the pregnant woman may be infected with Zika virus at any gestational age; however, when infection occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, a highest incidence of congenital malformations is caused by the virus. The patient was infected with the virus in the first trimester of pregnancy (eighth week), and the infection was confirmed by urine and serology tests.
The termination of gestation culminated in the birth of a child with microcephaly and central nervous system disorders. The embracement by health professionals of families who have with children with chronic diseases that require specific care, who will be always dependent on others for their basic human needs, help relieve the burden and family suffering [27].
The main limitation of this study is the data collection performed in medical records, with data already recorded by others and, therefore, researchers have no control over their quality.
Health professionals face a new teratogen factor caused by Zika. Unraveling the pathogenic mechanisms for preventive coping and early recognition of clinical manifestations, especially those related to the growth and development of children is essential for the development of intervention and care programs for the children and families involved.
Associated with the severe neurological impact in the children the infection by the Zika virus has clearly emerged as a public health problem and which requires much scientific study. Nonetheless, the social impact remains associated with Zika virus infection and require continued research efforts to evaluate the reproduction and dissemination the virus and the preventive and clinic actions in the world.
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