By Andrew M. Seaman NEW YORK (Reuters) – The Zika virus is capable of quickly infecting and harming developing fetal brain cells, scientists said on Friday in a study that provides insight into how the virus might cause the birth defect microcephaly in fetuses exposed in the womb. The researchers said their study, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, does not provide proof of a direct causal link between Zika and microcephaly, but it does identify where the virus may be inflicting the most damage in developing fetuses. “Our study shows once the virus gets to the brain it can reach these very important cells,” researcher Hengli Tang, the study's lead author from Florida State University, said in an interview.
Excerpt from:
Study shows how Zika virus could cause fetal brain defects
