Severe Neurologic Disorders in 2 Fetuses with Zika Virus Infection, Colombia

Abstract

We report the results of pathologic examinations of 2 fetuses from women in Colombia with Zika virus infection during pregnancy that revealed severe central nervous system defects and potential associated abnormalities of the eye, spleen, and placenta. Amniotic fluid and tissues from multiple fetal organs tested positive for Zika virus.

Keywords: Colombia; Zika virus; congenital Zika virus infection; neurologic disorders; pediatric infections; viruses.

Figure 1

Pathology findings for case 1, involving a fetus examined after pregnancy termination who had severe neurologic defects attributed to maternal Zika virus infection, Colombia. A) Remnant tissue of cerebral cortex showing a reduced neuroblast layer (dotted lines) and hemorrhagic foci (arrow). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining; original magnification ×40. B) Glial leptomeningeal heterotopy showing congestive blood vessels (arrowhead) and foci of glial heterotopia (arrows). H&E staining; original magnification ×10. C) Glial leptomeningeal heterotopy showing congestive blood vessels (arrowhead) and foci of glial heterotopia (arrows). H&E staining; original magnification ×40.

Figure 2

Pathology findings for case 2, involving a fetus examined after pregnancy termination who had severe neurologic defects attributed to maternal Zika virus infection, Colombia. A) Spinal cord slice showing neuropil disruption with multiple calcifications (arrowheads). B) Nerve showing disruptive changes of axons (Wallerian degeneration) (black star). C) Dorsal root ganglion showing spinal ganglion with satellitosis (arrow) and neuronophagia of ganglion cells (arrowhead). Hematoxylin and eosin staining; original magnification ×100.