Simultaneous exposure to both Zika virus and household insecticides during pregnancy, and fetal growth and infant developmental behavior outcomes at 18 months, in Guadeloupe

Background: Perinatal infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) could result in adverse growth, developmental and behavioral outcomes, while insecticides used to control mosquitoes are neurotoxic. Objectives: We aim to study the role played by exposure during pregnancy to both ZIKV and household insecticides in newborn health, development and behavior at age of 18 months. Methods: Maternal and cord blood samples from a cohort of pregnant women (created during Guadeloupe's Zika epidemic of 2016) were used to identify ZIKV infection during pregnancy. A self-administered questionnaire at birth documented prenatal household use of insecticides. Birth weight and head circumference were collected from maternity records (n = 708). Infant development and behaviors were documented at 18 months of age through the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (n = 409). Logistic and linear regression models were performed, taking into account confounding factors. Results: Use of household insecticides was associated with smaller head circumference and lower birth weight among newborns from mothers not exposed to ZIKV: 0.3 cm (95% CI: 0.6, 0) and -82 g (95% CI: 165, 0), respectively. Similar decreases were observed with ZIKV exposure among mothers not reporting household insecticides use, and with presence of both exposures. The combined presence of ZIKV exposure and insecticide use was associated with lower ASQ fine motor scores (-3.9; 95% CI: 7.3, -0.4), and higher hyperactivity scores (0.8; 95% CI: 0.0, 1.5), compared to no exposure to either. A higher opposition score was observed in association with ZIKV exposure among non-users of insecticide (0.6; 95% CI: 0.0, 1.2). Conclusion: Adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months of age were observed with prenatal ZIKV exposure, and with higher magnitude when mothers reported use of household insecticides. At birth, rates of adverse fetal growth were however similar for the combined presence of exposure and either of the exposures.

Automated summary

This study found that prenatal exposure to Zika virus and household insecticides may have adverse effects on the health, development, and behavior of newborns. The results showed that these exposures were associated with smaller head circumference and lower birth weight among newborns, and also affected development and behavior at 18 months of age.