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The virus of Zika is dangerous in the early stages of pregnancy
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
American scientists decided to test how Zik's virus works on the fetus during pregnancy, and infected the monkeys bearing the fetus. The purpose of this research project was to identify possible developmental defects in newborns. It was assumed that in young monkeys, as well as in humans, the virus will lead to brain damage.
Cubs from the mother's body were surgically removed on the 50th day from the time of infection, in total 5 swine-tailed macaques took part in the experiment. As a result, signs of microcephaly were discovered in the brain of newborns (underdevelopment of the brain and skull, accompanied by mental retardation and neurological abnormalities).
In earlier studies of other research groups, it was found that 1 in 100 pregnant women infected with Zick's virus in early pregnancy can develop severe fetal brain malformations. Also, scientists have established that in the case of infection of the mother in the early stages of pregnancy, underdevelopment of the brain occurs 50 times more often. According to experts, the first months of pregnancy are extremely important for the health of the future baby and the health of the child depends on the health of the mother during this period.
There were also reports from the World Health Organization regarding the Zick virus, in which experts noted that there is a connection between the development of microcephaly and the virus of Zik. WHO experts reported that additional studies will take several more months, then, perhaps, the existence of a direct link between the virus and brain underdevelopment will be proved.
It is worth recalling that the virus Zika was discovered more than 40 years ago in Africa, and the first patient was recorded in 7 years in Nigeria. The virus is most dangerous during pregnancy, as it disrupts the normal development of the fetus and causes severe disturbances in the brain.
Scare-threatening virus Zeka acquired in February, when WHO declared it one of the main threats to humanity and experts from different countries tried to create a drug for the treatment of the disease. A few months later, American scientists reported successful trials of a new drug from the Zick virus in primates and the upcoming clinical trials involving volunteers.
Earlier, another team of researchers, also from America, had already begun testing a new vaccine that had been decided to be carried out in Puerto Rico, where the virus of Zika spread quite fast, according to scientists, it is in such conditions that it will be possible to assess the preventive qualities of the new drug. In the event that the tests are successful, the company that developed the vaccine will begin to develop the drug against the virus Zeka. It should be noted that the drug has already been tested in humans - volunteers from Canada and the United States participated in the tests, but the results of the testing will be announced in a few months.
Experts warn that the virus Zika affects the mucous tissues, in particular the eyes, and the source of the disease may become tears (such conclusions were made after studying the spread of the virus after infection of rodents).