Zika virus treatment trial to begin in humans

US scientists have revealed they have identified an antibody in human blood that helps protect fetuses from Zika virus infection.

According to Fox News, this treatment is derived from antibodies taken from the blood of people who have recovered from Zika virus infection. Tests conducted on pregnant mice showed that the concentration of the virus in the mother mice was reduced and could protect the baby mice from the ravages of the virus.

"This is the first evidence that pregnant women infected with Zika virus can be treated to protect the developing fetus, at least in mice," said Dr. Michael Diamond, Washington University School of Medicine (USA).

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in a laboratory at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Photo: Reuters.

In the study, scientists tested 29 specific Zika antibodies taken from white blood cells of patients who recovered from Zika virus infection caused by strains of the virus in Asia, Africa and the Americas.

They found an antibody, called ZIKV-117, that can neutralize all strains of Zika virus. The team tested the antibody in pregnant mice one day before and one day after Zika virus infection.

“The antibodies reduce the virus in the mother and protect the placenta and fetus,” said Dr. James Crowe of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The team believes the work is ready for human trials within the next nine to 12 months.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which funded the study, cautioned that not everything that works in mice will work well in humans. But he said: "The fact that you've got positive results in mice is a pretty good motivator for the next steps."

According to TNO