The final word is out-- Zika does cause fetal brain damage

The Zika virus has been linked to an increased risk of brain damage in an unborn baby and now, a recent study has confirmed the same.

By: Agencies | | Published: March 31, 2016 11:38 am

The Zika virus has been linked to an increased risk of brain damage in an unborn baby and now, a recent study has confirmed the same. The research led by Olli Vapalahti from University of Helsinki, Finland, found that small amounts of genetic material from the Zika virus can be detected from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman even weeks after the acute rash caused by the infection has passed, when the development of brain damage in the fetus is underway. (Read: 8 essential tips to prevent Zika) Also Read - Sedative drugs, curb on family visits may increase risk of acute brain dysfunction in Covid-19 ICU patients

Also Read - Genes linked to common brain disorder, Chiari 1 malformation, identified

Severe brain abnormalities can be detected through neuroimaging already at this early stage, even before the development of the intracranial calcifications and microcephaly previously associated with Zika virus infections. The observations are based on the case of a woman infected while visiting Central America during her 11th week of pregnancy. This study is the first to report isolation of infectious Zika virus from fetal tissue in cell culture. (Read: Vaccines against Zika virus to be available soon?) Also Read - Have more red wine and cheese to enjoy better cognitive health in old age

The virus was isolated from fetal brain tissue in a cell line representing neural cell precursors. Researchers mapped the entire genome of the virus and discovered eight mutations, which distinguish this virus from the Zika strains previously reported in Central America. Vapalahti noted that some of these mutations may be associated with the adaptations of the virus to the fetal brain. Vapalahti pointed out that the research also helps confirm the causal relation between the Zika virus and severe damage to the fetal central nervous system. The virus isolate from fetal brain can also serve extensively in experimental Zika virus research. The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Know more about how the zika virus spreads.

Source: ANI

Photo source: Getty images(Image for representational purpose only)

Published : March 31, 2016 11:38 am

Read Disclaimer

Taking a seasonal influenza vaccine during pregnancy can cut stillbirth risk by half

Here's why you should NEVER soak contact lenses in water

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Taking a seasonal influenza vaccine during pregnancy can cut stillbirth risk by half

Here's why you should NEVER soak contact lenses in water

Traumatic brain injury can increase risk of Alzheimer's disease: Tips to avoid head injuries

Sedative drugs, curb on family visits may increase risk of acute brain dysfunction in Covid-19 ICU patients

Avian Influenza: Cooking poultry at or above 70 degrees may kill the bird flu virus

Initial COVID-19 severity may not up later respiratory complications

Brain cancer could be triggered by the healing process that follows a stroke or other brain injury: Study

About The health Site

Useful Links