Zika Virus Can Harm Adult Brains, New Study Finds
A groundbreaking study published in Cell Stem Cell has revealed that Zika virus can infect and potentially harm the brains of adult humans. The research, the first of its kind, suggests that the virus may have subtle long-term effects on the brain, even if adults infected do not show immediate symptoms.
The study found that some adult neurons in mice, known as neural stem cells, are susceptible to Zika infection. These neurons play a crucial role in replacing lost or damaged neurons and are involved in learning and memory processes. The affected cells could potentially lead to long-term impacts on brain health, such as impairments in long-term memory or an increased risk of depression. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of Zika on adult stem cell populations and brain health.
The study's authors also noted that adults infected with Zika may not exhibit immediate or detectable symptoms. This suggests that the virus's effects on the brain could be more insidious and long-lasting than previously thought. The lack of specific information about the researchers involved in these studies and their affiliations underscores the need for further investigation in this area.
In summary, the study published in Cell Stem Cell has shown that Zika virus can infect and potentially harm the brains of adult humans. The long-term effects of this infection on brain health, such as impacts on memory or risk of depression, are still not fully understood and require further research.
