Usually, a woman who has contracted the Zika virus, which can cause a rash and fever, often does not show any symptoms. However, her unborn child may be in danger of getting infected. This can result in the development of congenital abnormalities and a range of health complications, including microcephaly. Recent research has shown that the virus impairs the growth of unborn offspring in pregnant rhesus macaques and interferes with the connection between mother and newborn, potentially opening up possibilities for new therapies.
The research results were published in the scientific journal Cell. The study included 26 pregnancies in women with Zika-related anomalies, of which 21 resulted in live births and five ended in pregnancy losses. The researchers found that if a woman becomes ill during the first trimester of pregnancy, there is a more than twofold increased risk of brain malformations, such as microcephaly, compared to becoming sick during the second or third trimester.
Infection that occurs during the third trimester is also linked to an increase in additional health complications, such as decreased levels of amniotic fluid and the formation of ulcerative eye lesions in mothers.
The cranial circumference of a fetus expands during gestation to accommodate the development of the cerebral mass. Nevertheless, if the brain experiences accelerated growth, it can create a miniature skull, which may cause various medical issues, including hearing and vision impairment, epileptic seizures, delayed cognitive development, and challenges with movement.
Since its first emergence in Brazil in 2015, the worldwide attention surrounding Zika has been primarily directed towards a distinct manifestation of the virus called microcephaly. Zika syndrome, a neurological disorder, has been linked to this condition, which can also result in a range of other medical issues.
The findings support previous studies that demonstrate the detrimental effects of the Zika virus on fetal neurons and its ability to be transmitted to infants through the placenta.
Scientists have not yet discovered the cause of microcephaly associated with Zika. Nevertheless, they postulate that the virus invades fetal cells within the uterus and hampers the functionality of the placenta, resulting in abnormal brain development. The virus has been linked to a range of other health conditions, including neurological abnormalities and miscarriage.
The recent study, conducted through two sets of laboratory trials, provides compelling evidence that the virus not only causes direct harm to embryonic brains but also interferes with the functioning of the placenta. Both groups of rats infected with the virus experienced reduced cerebral development.
In the first set of experiments, the fetal cells showed a decrease in size and demonstrated signs of mitochondrial dysfunction. The second group showed changes in cellular components that regulate movement and balance. The findings support previous studies that demonstrate the detrimental effects of the Zika virus on fetal neurons and its ability to be transmitted to infants through the placenta.
The researchers stress the need for improved diagnostic methods to detect fetal Zika infections in the third trimester. In addition, they emphasize the significance of closely monitoring these infants who are infected after birth for any signs of impairments or other health complications. Furthermore, they stress the importance of women who are trying to get pregnant avoiding areas with a potential Zika exposure risk and taking preventive measures, such as using condoms during sexual intercourse.
It is recommended that individuals wait until after their last possible exposure or after the end of any symptoms before trying to conceive again. Immediate access to emergency contraception should be provided to women who have had unprotected sexual intercourse.
