Evidence of link between Zika virus and birth defect 'boosted'

ConclusionThis was a case study of two women in Brazil who had clinical symptoms of the Zika virus during pregnancy. Their babies were later diagnosed with microcephaly while still in the womb after ultrasound examination. Researchers aimed to detect the Zika virus in amniotic fluid and conduct DNA analysis to ascertain the geographic origin of the virus.   Since 2015, Brazil has seen 4,783 cases of microcephaly in newborn babies, 20 times higher than in previous years. Microcephaly is associated with a number of causes, including: genetic disorders alcohol and drug use maternal malnutrition transmission of infections through the placenta maternal viral infections It has been suggested contracting the Zika virus in pregnancy could be associated with a rise in the number of microcephaly cases reported in Brazil. Despite an increase in research, there are many unknowns. These include how big the risk of microcephaly is if a woman is infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy, and whether the timing of the infection makes a difference.The main limitation of this research is it cannot prove Zika causes babies to develop microcephaly – it can only show an association. The findings of this study will add to the body of evidence, and suggest a causal relationship might exist between the virus and microcephaly. However, more research is needed to test this further.  In the meantime, precautions should be taken if you are currently pregnant or planning to...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Pregnancy/child Neurology Source Type: news