Different outcomes of neonatal and adult Zika virus infection on startle reflex and prepulse inhibition in mice

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection causes severe neurological consequences in both gestationally-exposed infants and adults. Sensorial gating deficits strongly correlate to the motor, sensorial and cognitive impairments observed in ZIKV-infected patients. However, to date, no startle response or prepulse inhibition (PPI) assessment has been made in patients or animal models. In this study, we identified different outcomes for the age of infection and sex in wild-type mice: neonatally infected animals presented an increase in PPI and startle latency in both sexes, while adult infected males presented lower startle amplitude but preserved PPI. Our data further the understanding of the functional impacts of ZIKV on the developing and mature nervous system, which could help explain other behavioral and cognitive alterations caused by the virus. With this study, we support the use of startle reflex testing in ZIKV exposed patients, especially infants, allowing for early detection of functional neuromotor damage and early intervention.