New study has discovered that Zika Virus targets the cells which are supposed to protect the body from .The cells of the immune system can be categorized as lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes. These are all types of white blood cells. The major proteins of the immune system are predominantly signaling proteins (often called cytokines), antibodies and proteins. These Immune cells are supposed to protect the body from any kind of infection by virus or bacteria. Zika virus infects these cells, particularly in brain
Zika virus is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by mosquitoes, which bite during the day. This virus might lead to fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain or headache. The Zika Virus will be for a period of 12 days after the bites of an infected mosquito. The infection is not contagious from person to person. Currently, the U.S centers for Disease Control say Zika virus will cause birth defects in the future leading to babies born with abnormally small heads, known as microcephaly
“We were surprised to see how infected and uninfected cells looked” Christopher K. Glass, one of the researchers said.If your goal is to see what a virus is doing to a cell, you need to focus on only infected cells to get true representation,” Carlin explained. Christopher K. Glass
This approach makes macrophages look more accurate in terms of Zika effect. The Virus blocks hundreds of macrophages genes that should be stimulated by interferon, a molecule that targets an immune response, also Zika leads to general suppression of gene production
A team of researchers at Northwestern University said on Monday that they have designed a blood test that may help in medical treatment in the future. There is currently no vaccine to prevent ZIka and no medicine to treat it.
How Zika can be prevented
1.Follow CDC’s tips to prevent bites from mosquitoes that spread Zika. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Stay in rooms with air conditioning, or windows with door screens. …
2.Zika can be sexually transmitted. To prevent the spread of Zika, use condoms every time you have sex.