ZIKA Virus Infection during Pregnancy in Mice Causes Placental Damage and Fetal Demise (Summary)

Ifnar1 mice were used initially to investigate the effect of ZIKV during pregnancy. The female mice were bred with WT type male mice. Another model was also used which was treated with an antibody prior to infection. Similar sort of ZIKV strain was used on the both models to ensure accuracy and precision in the experiment.  Most Ifnar1 infected mice witnessed fetal demise and had been resorbed leaving behind only remains of placenta. The few remaining Ifnar1 fetuses exhibited significant IUGR. Further examination to analyze direct effect of the infection the placenta matter and fetus head were examined which shows traces of infection within. The virus was present in blood, spleen and brain of Ifnar1. In the second model the mice were treated with the antibody MAR1-5A3. The mice of this model showed resistance and fetal demise was not observed but it displayed traits of IUGR.  ZIKRV RNA was found in different organs when different kinds of tests were carried out. The results of findings were consistent with human trophoblast cell lines. Placentas infected with ZIKV showed stunned growth. The effect of ZIKV was noticed on the central nervous system which was suggested by direct infection. More research is required for clarity;