The offensive continues

Belgian scientists have created a vaccine against the Zika virus for pregnant women and their fetus

Dmitry Mazalevsky, Naked Science

Employees of the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium have developed a new vaccine against the Zika virus, which is designed to prevent the occurrence of microcephaly and other serious diseases in unborn children.

The Zika virus is transmitted from a tiger mosquito, and in most cases the patient shows almost no symptoms. However, when a pregnant woman becomes infected with this virus, it can affect the development of the embryo's brain. This can lead to microcephaly – a case where the size of the child's head is smaller than usual – as well as to mental and other serious health problems," says Professor Johan Neyts.

In 2015 and 2016, the world was shocked by the sudden and massive outbreak of the Zika virus in Latin America. Now the situation is under control. Nevertheless, the virus is still present in Latin America, as well as in those territories inhabited by tiger mosquitoes - the main carriers of the disease. Since a new outbreak can occur at any moment, scientists around the world are working to develop an effective vaccine. 

Professor Nates and his colleagues claim to have achieved success in this matter. To do this, they used a medicine against yellow fever. The yellow fever virus is closely related to the Zika virus and is transmitted through the same vector. The vaccine has passed safety tests and provides lifelong protection. The results of their work are published in the journal npj Vaccines.

Scientists have replaced part of the genetic information of the yellow fever drug with the corresponding Zika virus code. To create the drug, the researchers used a special technology that allows it to be produced in fermenters. Another important advantage is that the vaccine remains stable even at high temperatures, which allows it to be used even in the most remote corners of tropical and subtropical areas.

"Together with our colleagues from the University of Liege, we tested the vaccine on pregnant mice. First, the females were injected with the drug, and after these mice became pregnant, their placenta was infected with the Zika virus. During the observations, we found that the vaccinated mothers developed normally, and the virus did not pass to their brain or other organs," the scientist says.

Experts call these results remarkable and have already announced their intention to continue developing a drug that can be used for rapid and effective vaccination of the population in the event of a new outbreak of the Zika virus. Scientists hope that their achievement will help prevent many disasters.

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