Brazilian Scientists Analyze 'Microcephaly Zones'

07/21/2016 - 11h34

Advertising

FROM SÃO PAULO

Even with all the advances in the understanding of the relationship between infection by the Zika virus and the appearance of Microcephaly cases, some larger questions remain unanswered. Why are cases concentrated in the Northeast? Is there something that creates a predisposition for or an impediment to the most serious effects of the virus?

These questions intrigue scientists and the government. The search for answers is being carried out on various fronts, from the study of the prevalence of other infections (like Dengue Fever) to the mapping of genetic and environmental factors.

The identification of one or more co-factors (that work in "partnership" with the Zika virus) could be the key to the prevention of future cases.

The simplest explanation is that precarious hygiene conditions -and resulting infections- are a factor.

In order to investigate this possibility, it would be necessary to do a detailed mapping of the locations with concentrations of births with Microcephaly together with a socio-economical evaluation, explains Paulo Zanotto, a Virologist and professor at USP (University of São Paulo) and a pioneer in research into Zika in Brazil.

Going in the other direction away from this explanation involving the Dengue virus is the idea that protection against Yellow Fever could help the human organism fight against Zika. The idea of exploring this hypothesis came from Luciano Cavalcanti, an Epidemiologist from the Federal University of Ceará and his colleagues.

"Our analysis has shown a very large spatial coincidence between low coverage of vaccination and deformities."

Another group, headed by geneticist and USP professor Mayana Zatz, is on different front analyzing genetic material from mothers and babies looking for an explanation for a possible "preference" by the virus for certain people.

The study of twins is one of the most effective methods for obtaining responses relating to the influence of genetic or environmental factors for certain conditions and behaviors.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

Read the article in the original language