Zika Brazilian Cohorts Consortium warns of risks of oropouche infection during pregnancy

An article published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases points to the importance of anticipating rapid responses to the risks of vertical transmission (from mother to fetus) of the Oropouche virus, considering the experience of almost a decade of research into the congenital syndrome associated with Zika virus infection. The text, authored by experts from the Zika Brazilian Cohorts (ZBC) Consortium, which includes Fiocruz Bahia researchers Isadora Siqueira, Maurício Barreto and Bethânia Almeida, as well as researchers from other units of the Foundation, presents the main lessons learned from Zika and makes recommendations for investigating the oropouche fever.

Zika Brazilian Cohorts is a consortium that, through a data-sharing initiative, has assessed the risk of adverse outcomes from congenital Zika infection in Brazil. In the paper, the researchers discuss the spread of a new strain of the Oropouche virus, transmitted by mosquitoes of the species Culicoides paraenses, known as maruins, in several Latin American and Caribbean countries. Cases of vertical transmission of the virus, including stillbirths and microcephalic neonates testing positive for Oropouche, raise concerns about possible risks to maternal and fetal health. However, there is still little scientific evidence to confirm these risks, highlighting the urgent need for more research.

The scientists emphasize the importance of a rapid and collaborative response to investigate the vertical transmission of this arbovirus and its impacts. The main recommendations include: centralizing the expertise of local researchers and public health professionals to understand the characteristics of the outbreak better; promoting a culture of collaboration to facilitate data sharing; strengthening surveillance and establishing clear diagnostic definitions; and conducting epidemiological studies to investigate the causality and consequences of congenital Oropouche virus infection.

These actions should be based on lessons from Zika research, aiming for scientific and ethical responses to protect affected communities. The experts conclude that research into the Oropouche virus must be rapid, multidisciplinary and transparent, with a focus on interventions that reduce the risks of possible congenital infections and their impact on public health.