#zikv

The mosquito-borne Zika virus was declared a public health emergency in 2016, causing research in the area to intensify. However, this virus is transmitted in a number of other unique ways.

Zika virus infection can occur through sexual contact and through transplacental transmission also, meaning that a man could pass on the virus during conception, and the expectant mother could then pass on the virus to their unborn child. This transplacental transmission can cause microcephaly in the foetus, a condition which causes the head to be smaller than normal.

The cause of the virus’ emergence is still unknown, but vaccines are being developed to bring about the disease’s end.

Zika Virus Could Be Used to Treat Brain Cancer Patients

One approach to killing cancer stem cells involves using viruses that specifically target tumor cells. Zika virus appears to disrupt fetal brain development by preferentially targeting neural stem and progenitor cells. The virus' effects on adult brains--which contain fewer active stem cells that developing fetal brains--are generally much less severe.

Detecting Brain Damage Caused by Zika In Utero With Imaging Techniques

Tracking ZIKA Transmission in Mice

National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists have developed a mouse model to study Zika virus transmitted sexually from males to females, as well as vertically from a pregnant female to her fetus. They are using the model to study how and when the virus is spread, including how the virus crosses the placenta, as well as to investigate potential treatments to block virus transmission.

Certain Anti-Influenza Compounds Also Inhibit Zika Infection

Researchers from the University of Helsinki have shown that three anti-influenza compounds effectively inhibit Zika virus infection in human cells. The results provide the foundation for development of the broad-spectrum cell-directed antivirals or their combinations for treatment of Zika and other emerging viral diseases.

First Steps to Neutralizing Zika

How highly potent antibody neutralizes Zika infection discovered.