Serological survey on bovine viral diarrhea virus in man and evaluation of relation with Zika virus-associated microcephaly

BACKGROUND: In 2015, an unprecedented epidemic of microcephaly occurred in Brazil. Preliminary observations suggested the involvement of cofactors in the etiopathology of Zika virus-associated microcephaly. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) was identified in fetal samples with microcephaly, originating in the state of Paraíba, and two virus sequences, obtained from the amniotic fluid collected from mothers with babies affected by Zika and microcephaly, have been characterized as two different species of BVDV, types 1 and 2. AIM: The involvement of BVDV as a co-factor in the etiopathogenesis of Zika virus-associated microcephaly was explored. METHODS: A serological screening using an ELISA test was undertaken to detect antibodies against BVDV among patients referred to the Central Laboratory of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, encompassing microcephalic babies and their mothers, mothers and pregnants not associated with microcephaly and general patients as a control group. RESULTS: Two samples were positive out of 382 tested (0.52%). No specific relation with birth defects could be established. CONCLUSIONS: The study might suggest serological evidence of BVDV in humans. Further studies and the application of improved diagnostic tests adapted to humans are necessary to clarify the epidemiological extent and impact of BVDV.