A Scoping Review of Genetic Risk Factors Possibly Impacting Virally Induced Brain Injury After Zika Infection.

INTRODUCTION

The severity of virally induced prenatal brain injury, even among dizygotic twins, varies according to individual and maternal risk and protective factors, including genomics.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to analyze data on genetic susceptibility to neurological outcomes in children exposed in utero to Zika virus.

METHODS

We followed JBI methodology for this scoping review. A search in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Academic Search Ultimate, Agricola, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection was conducted. Three reviewers independently screened studies using the Rayyan platform. Studies on gene mutations impacting brain injury after Zika virus infection were included.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles identifying candidate genes related to brain injury were reviewed. Twenty-three genes were implicated in modulating susceptibility to prenatal brain injury, including six maternal and 17 infant genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal and fetal genetic factors likely contribute susceptibility to virally induced prenatal brain injury. Analyzing polygenic risk could aid in future screening programs to identify individuals at risk. This information may eventually be integrated into clinical data, helping healthcare providers, families, and patients understand how to personalize care for better outcomes.

IMPACT: This paper evaluates available evidence about the relationship between genetic susceptibility and neurological consequences of Zika virus exposure during pregnancy. After performing a scoping review, we identified 13 articles describing candidate genes that potentially contribute to the development of virally induced brain injury after prenatal Zika infection. Of the genes identified, six were associated with maternal risks, while 17 were linked to the fetus. Maternal and prenatal genetic factors could increase the risk of virally induced prenatal brain injury. Future research should investigate factors that can modify disease pathogenesis toward the goal of reducing the global impact of brain injury.