In: 

The Journal of Infectious Diseases

Authors:

Marli T. Cordeiro, Carlos A. A. Brito, Lindomar J. Pena, Priscila M. S. Castanha, Laura H. V. G. Gil, Kennya G. S. Lopes, Rafael Dhalia, Jucille A. Meneses, Ana C. Ishigami, Luisa M. Mello, Liciana X. E. Alencar, Klarissa M. Guarines, Laura C. Rodrigues and Ernesto T. A. Marques

Background. Usually, immunoglobulin M (IgM) serologic analysis is not sufficiently specific to confirm Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. However, since IgM does not cross the placenta, it may be a good marker of infection in neonates.

Methods. We tested blood from 42 mothers and neonates with microcephaly and collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from 30 neonates. Molecular assays were performed for detection of ZIKV, dengue virus, and chikungunya virus; IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and plaque-reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs) were performed to detect ZIKV and dengue virus. No control neonates without microcephaly were evaluated.

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