Mothers infected by dengue may have babies with higher risk of severe Zika, and vice versa

(Cell Press) Two new studies provide evidence that previous Dengue infection in pregnant mothers may lead to increased severity of Zika in babies, and that previous Zika infection in mice mothers may increase severity of Dengue infection in their pups. The research, publishing Nov. 14 in the journal Cell Host& Microbe, supports that maternally acquired antibodies for one virus can assist infection by the other by a process unique to flaviviruses.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news