Zika Virus and Birth Defects - Reviewing the Evidence for Causality

The authors evaluated available data to determine causality of Zika infection and birth defects, most notably microcephaly. This evidence included Zika virus infection during specific times in pregnancy, a specific rare phenotype involving microcephaly, and data that support biologic plausibility. The researchers concluded that the evidence supports a causal relationship between Zika virus infection and birth defects.