2 routes of Zika virus infection that can harm your fetus
The Zika virus spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. In addition, the zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, without using a condom.
You may also be infected with the Zika virus when you visit areas that are at risk of becoming infected with the virus. In addition, the zika virus can also be transmitted to fetuses by infected pregnant women. Even infection with the Zika virus during pregnancy can cause birth defects, including brain abnormalities in the fetus.
You certainly don't want that to happen. But do you know how the Zika virus can infect a fetus?
Zika virus infection in the fetus
Scientists have a better idea of how the Zika virus infects a developing fetus.
It turns out that the zika virus has two potential routes for infecting a developing fetus, as follows.
1. The placenta method
The zika virus migrates from maternal blood to the placenta. Then the virus develops and spreads to the fetal brain. The virus has passed through the mother's blood to infect the developing fetus's brain, causing nerve damage.
This virus migrates not only to the placenta, but also to multiply. In general, Zika virus infection with this route occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy.
2. How to amniotic sac
The amniotic sac is a pair of transparent, strong but thin membranes that protect the developing fetus. Amniotic membrane epithelial cells surrounding the fetus are very susceptible to Zika virus infection.
This shows that these cells play an important role in mediating the transmission of the zika virus to the fetus and supports the hypothesis that transmission can occur through membranes. As a general rule, Zika virus infection with this route occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy.
Impact of Zika virus infection on the fetus
Zika virus infection can damage the placenta. Therefore it cannot provide enough oxygen and nutrients for the developing fetus. This condition is called placental insufficiency.
As a result, fetal growth is slow, births are smaller than normal and can even result in fetal death.
In fact, cases of placental insufficiency, abnormal fetus, and miscarriage have been reported in cases of Zika virus infection. In addition, cell death occurs in the brain of an infected fetus, although no abnormalities are seen in the overall structure of the brain.
According to Cell Host & Microbe, the zika virus can cause fetal malformations called microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Microcephaly in infants is characterized by a small head and severe brain damage.
This disorder can cause physical disability and sometimes convulsions. At the same time, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that occurs when limbs are weakened.
The researchers explain that an old antibiotic called duramycin can prevent Zika virus infection. Erythromycin is an antibiotic produced by bacteria to fight other bacteria.
Erythromycin can effectively reduce or prevent the transmission of the zika virus from infected mothers to the fetus in both possible ways, thus preventing congenital anomalies.
Protect your uterus from Zika virus infection. You can avoid the Zika virus by not traveling to areas that are at risk of becoming infected with the virus. In addition, use mosquitoes or mosquito lotions and mosquito nets on the bed, which can prevent mosquito bites.
This is the best form of anticipation to prevent Zika virus infection.
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