Zika virus causes serious illness of the brain? – Interia

Zika virus may be associated with an autoimmune disease in which damage to the myelin sheath, as in the case of multiple sclerosis. Do we have nothing to fear?

the virus Zika is associated with another dangerous disease?

/ © 123RF / Picsel

Resembling SARS virus found in Chinese bats It can be dangerous to humans. Are we an epidemic? read more
                     

A team of researchers from the Hospital Restoration in the Brazilian city of Recife studied people that between December 2014. And June 2015. Reported with symptoms typical of arboviruses, which include, among others, Dengue, Zika, yellow fever or chikunguya.

– Although our research group was small, it seems that Zika virus has affected the brain. However, one should carry out further studies to bind to viral infection with the occurrence of autoimmune disease similar to multiple sclerosis – said Maria Lucia Brito Ferreira, head of the research team.

Of the 151 patients admitted, 6 experienced neurological symptoms similar to disorders autoimmune disorders in people suffering from multiple sclerosis. Everyone admitted to hospital patients experienced high fever, rash, itching, muscle pain and joint pain and red-rimmed eyes. Neurological symptoms in some popping up right away and in others up to 15 days later. Finally, diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). It is an autoimmune disease, very similar to multiple sclerosis, most often affecting children.

Research has shown signs of neurological damage to the white matter of the brain. In four of these people developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), which causes demineralisation of myelin of the peripheral nervous system. Tests have shown that all these patients were infected with Zika. Results for dengue and chikungunyi were negative.

– This does not mean that all people infected with the virus Zika experience brain problems. Among those who have problems with the nervous system, most do not experience symptoms of brain. Our research may shed new light on the perception of the virus Zika – Ferreira added.

Researchers have previously linked the incidence of GBS Zika virus. Now add to the list ADEM. So far, it is not known why the Zika virus causes these autoimmune diseases. A few days ago scientists finally confirmed the relationship Zika virus with microcephaly (microcephaly) newborns.