Cytokines are produced which elicit inflammatory effects resulting in cell death of neurons. The Culex species of mosquitoes are the vectors for this arbovirus. 

Tulane University

Georgetown University

- Pathogenesis/Vector
- Presentation of Maternal Infection
- Diagnosis
- Fetal/Neonatal Abnormalities
- Vaccines

West Nile Virus

The most widely spread arbovirus in the world, West Nile Virus is primarily spread to humans through mosquitos. West Nile virus infections may produce febrile illness or severe fever; however, most individuals who are infected with the virus are asymptomatic. Outbreaks of West Nile are so dangerous because, currently, there are not any available vaccines or antiviral treatments. 

West Nile

Nausheen, F., S. Bashir, S., &amp; N. Atapattu, D. (2018). Pregnancy associated arbovirus infections. Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.15761/cmid.1000138 

Pregnancy Associated Arbovirus Infections

IgM-ELISA, plague reduction neutralization test and viral isolation PCR diagnostic tests are used to detect West Nile. 

Diagnosing West Nile Virus

Clinical manifestations of West Nile in pregnant women include fever, headache, back pain, generalized weakness and pain, myalgia, anorexia, aseptic meningitis/encephalitis. 

Maternal West Nile Virus Infection Presentation

Congenital malformations include microencephaly, polydactyly, chorioretinitis and growth retardation of infants. 

Fetal/Neonatal Abnormalities from West Nile Virus

There are no available vaccines for West Nile. 

Vaccines for West Nile Virus

West Nile virus has been observed in birds circulating in Mexico and is expected to increase human infections resulting in an outbreak. 

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