Animal research suggests Zika could affect the adult brain

Conclusion This experimental study in mice investigated the effect of Zika virus on adult brain cells, hoping to increase knowledge of the long-term outcomes of Zika virus on the adult brain. Zika was thought to be a short-term virus for adult humans without many long-term effects. The researchers' experiments in mice found that the two small areas in the adult mouse brain containing cells active in cell division can be susceptible to pronounced Zika infection leading to cell death and reduced cell division. While healthy humans may be able to mount an effective immune response to the virus, it is possible that immunocompromised humans may be susceptible in ways demonstrated by the mice. However, as the authors point out, the study only used a single virus strain, a single mouse strain and was at a single point in time. There is more information needed before the implications for humans are understood. Future studies are needed in infected humans to describe the effects of the Zika virus on the adult brain. Public Health England provide an up-to-date overview of the current state of the Zika virus outbreaks in the Americas, as well as specific advice for certain groups, such as pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant. Links To The Headlines Zika virus may cause long-term memory damage, similar to Alzheimer's disease. The Daily Telegraph, August 18 2016 Could Zika devastate the brain like Alzheimer's? Virus attacks the area linked to learning and memory. Daily ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Source Type: news