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Experimental zika virus vaccines

Vaccines protect fetuses from Zika infection, mouse study shows

Mothers vaccinated prior to pregnancy bore young with no sign of virus
Shown is a digitally colorized transmission electron microscopic image of Zika virus. A new study in mice shows that females vaccinated before pregnancy and infected with Zika virus while pregnant bear pups who show no trace of the virus. The findings offer evidence that an effective vaccine administered prior to pregnancy can protect vulnerable fetuses from Zika infection and resulting injury.
Credit: Cynthia Goldsmith/CDC

Washington University School of Medicine

Summary:

Zika virus can cause severe brain damage in people infected before birth. A new study in mice shows that females vaccinated before pregnancy and infected with Zika virus while pregnant bear pups who show no trace of the virus. The findings offer the first evidence that an effective vaccine administered prior to pregnancy can protect vulnerable fetuses from Zika infection and resulting injury.