A new drug that can block Zika virus’ journey from mom to fetus
Washington DC: In a significant development, scientists say they have gained new insight into how the Zika virus infects the fetus, and a potential means of preventing infection. Researchers at UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley also identify a drug that may be able to block the Zika virus, that can infect numerous cell types in the human placenta and amniotic sac. The virus has two potential routes to the developiFetus,ng fetus: a placental route established in the first trimester, and a route across the amniotic sac that only becomes available in the second trimester, according to the study. The study of human tissue in the laboratory found that an older generation antibiotic called duramycin blocked the virus from replicating in cells that are thought to transmit it along both routes. “Very few viruses reach the fetus during pregnancy and cause birth defects,” said researcher Lenore Pereira.
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