During the Zika fever outbreak in Brazil in 2015-2016, only some babies from infected mothers had teratogenic effects, suggesting that cofactors may influence congenital transmission. We investigated the ZIKV infection profile in explants and isolated cells from full-term human placenta to infection with the Brazilian Zika virus strain (ZIKV) and the effect of coinfection with the Brazilian Human alphaherpesvirus 2 strain (HSV-2) on ZIKV replication. We found that the ZIKV infect the explants of amniotic and chorionic membranes, as well as chorionic villi core, but not the trophoblasts layer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDespite the severe morbidity caused by Zika fever, its specific treatment is still a challenge for public health. Several research groups have investigated the drug repurposing of chloroquine. However, the highly toxic side effect induced by chloroquine paves the way for the improvement of this drug for use in Zika fever clinics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFZika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy is associated with a congenital syndrome. Although the virus can be detected in human placental tissue and sexual transmission has been verified, it is not clear how the virus reaches the fetus. Despite the emerging severity caused by ZIKV infection, no specific prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment is available.
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