Clinical and epidemiological aspects of infantile microcephaly associated with Zika virus: An integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood microcephaly is a condition with a multifactorial etiology associated with significant neurological, motor, and functional consequences; it gained greater epidemiological relevance in Brazil following its association with congenital Zika virus infection. Objective: To analyze, through an integrative literature review, the available evidence regarding the clinical and epidemiological aspects of infant microcephaly associated with the Zika virus, identifying the main case characteristics, clinical manifestations, and epidemiological patterns described in the literature. Methods: This is an integrative, qualitative, and descriptive review conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and BVS databases. A total of 86 records were identified, 11 of which were excluded due to duplication. After screening 75 publications and evaluating 17 full-text articles, four studies comprised the final sample. Results: Studies have demonstrated clinical, epidemiological, and temporal variations in the occurrence of microcephaly, revealing an association between the condition and congenital Zika virus infection. Severe forms of the disease and repercussions extending beyond neurological impairment—including sleep disturbances and potential impacts on development and quality of life—have been identified. These findings underscore the need for epidemiological surveillance, early diagnosis, longitudinal follow-up, and multidisciplinary care. Conclusion: It is concluded that Zika virus-associated infant microcephaly presents heterogeneous clinical and epidemiological characteristics, underscoring the importance of surveillance and continuous clinical monitoring. The limited sample size and the absence of studies on physiotherapy interventions preclude conclusions regarding their effectiveness, highlighting the need for further research with greater methodological rigor.