Cattle virus found in babies with microcephaly

Besides Zika virus, Brazilian researchers have found particles of

Published on 05/07/2016 - 08:14 By Aline Leal reports from Agência Brasil - Brasília

Brazilian researchers found particles of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), besides Zika virus, in brain tissue from fetuses and newborns with microcephaly. The Ministry of Health issued a note Monday (Jul. 4) saying it is monitoring an investigation into the factors that may be associated with Zika in the development of congenital malformations.

Studies have been carried out in a collaboration by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and Professor Joaquim Amorim Neto research institute in Paraiba state. The tests were conducted on samples obtained from autopsied brain tissues of fetuses and newborns with microcephaly.

As the name implies, BVDV's affect mainly cattle and may cause malformations in the animals. The Ministry of Health has pointed out that the presence of the virus in these tissues does not necessarily mean that it is related to the malformations. Further studies will be carried out to confirm that link.


Translated by Mayra Borges


Fonte: Cattle virus found in babies with microcephaly

Edition: Fábio Massalli / Augusto Queiroz

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