Maternal-Fetal Transmission of Zika Virus: Routes and Signals for Infection

Transmission routes of hepatitis C virus infection

The definitive identification of the hepatitis C genome in 1989 resulted in confirmation that this virus is a worldwide health problem.(1) The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and is one of the principal indications for liver transplantation. It is estimated that about four million Americans harbor hepatitis C antibodies. The virus is present in ...

Zika Virus Infection after Returning from Thailand

Highly efficient maternal-fetal Zika virus transmission in pregnant rhesus macaques

Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) is associated with human congenital fetal anomalies. To model fetal outcomes in nonhuman primates, we administered Asian-lineage ZIKV subcutaneously to four pregnant rhesus macaques. While non-pregnant animals in a previous study contemporary with the current report clear viremia within 10-12 days, maternal viremia was prolonged in 3 of 4 pregnancies. Fetal head...

Type I interferons instigate fetal demise after Zika virus infection.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse fetal outcomes, including microcephaly, growth restriction, and fetal demise. Type I interferons (IFNs) are essential for host resistance against ZIKV, and IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR)-deficient mice are highly susceptible to ZIKV infection. Severe fetal growth restriction with placental damage and fetal resorption is observed ...

zika virus infection