Using a qRT-PCR assay, high expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, including IL6, IL15, IFNγ, TNFα, CXCL15, IL18, and IL1β, were confirmed in ZIKV-infected placentas, suggesting that ZIKV infection may trigger placental inflammation (Fig. 1H). This evidence concerns the gene IL18 and Zika virus infectious disease.