Researchers from Yale University demonstrate Zika virus infection of cells derived from human placentas.
The research provides insight into how Zika virus may be transmitted from expectant mother to fetus, resulting in infection of the fetal brain.
Zika Fever
Zika virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes which causes mild fever with maculopapular rash. No treatment or vaccine is currently available.
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‘Fibroblasts and Hofbauer cells found in the placental tissue were susceptible to infection by Zika virus in isolated cultures.’
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The study was published online JCI Insight.
Researchers have linked Zika virus to microcephaly - a birth defect affecting the heads and brains of infants born to infected mothers. Yet little is understood about how the virus crosses the maternal-fetal barrier, a layer of cells that serves as a filter to protect the fetus from harmful substances.
Test Your Knowledge on Zika Virus
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes fever, headache, skin rashes, joint and muscle pain in infected individuals. The symptoms usually last for only 2 to 7 days. Fetal symptoms vary and have led to International concern.
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A team of researchers, led by senior author Erol Fikrig, M.D., studied the question by using three different strains of Zika virus to infect three types of cells found in placental tissue. The cells types -- known as Hofbauer cells, cytotrophoblasts, and fibroblasts -- were obtained from normal term pregnancies.
"These placenta-specific cells could potentially serve as a reservoir for Zika virus production within the fetal compartment," said first author Kellie Ann Jurado, a postdoctoral fellow.
The researchers also stated that the Hofbauer cells, which are believed to migrate around the placenta, may aid in delivery of Zika virus to the fetal brain.
The findings further the understanding of Zika virus infection and potential routes of viral production and circulation within the placenta, said Jurado. The study results may also help investigators develop new strategies to potentially prevent infection of the fetus, the researchers noted.
Source: Eurekalert
First Confirmed Case of Zika-Related Microcephaly in Canada
The total number of confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Canada has risen to 205 as of August 11. Thirteen pregnant women have tested positive for the virus in the country.
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