Impact of Zika infection during pregnancy, basis for its study. Cienfuegos 2017-2019

Abstract

Introduction: In 2016, the Zika virus (ZIKV) spread in the Americas, with transmission reported in 48 countries. In 2018, there were 223,477 cases, including 3,720 congenital Zika syndrome. To understand the natural history of this disease and the impact during pregnancy, the ZIKAlliance consortium designed a multicenter study that included cohorts of pregnant women and children. Taking into account the dynamic course of the epidemic, clinical sites were selected. Cuba participated with the municipality of Cienfuegos.

Objective: The intention of this report is to describe how this project was implemented in our country and how the research was developed.

Methods: Within the Cienfuegos municipality, four health areas were chosen; a retrospective investigation was carried out from the period 2016-2017 and a prospective one from 2018 to 2020. All the pregnant women recruited who gave their willingness to participate and their children were studied, as well as a group of children born to ZIKV-positive mothers.

Results: 343 pregnant women were recruited, a total of 289 children, 189 representing 55.1 % of the total pregnant women included in the project and 100, children of mothers with confirmed infection during pregnancy. At the time this report is written, the results are being analyzed to delve deeper into the characteristics of the Cuban epidemic.

Conclusions: The articulation between this study and the usual maternal-child care guaranteed its progress. Our results will allow associations to be made between ZIKV infection during pregnancy and its consequences in the Cienfuegos municipality.